Statement at the Third Committee of the eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly

Interactive Dialogue with the Chairs of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances & WGEID

Delivered by Mr. Shahriyar Hajiyev, First Secretary

21 October 2025
 

Mr. Chair,

We thank the experts for their reports and briefings.  

The rapid increase in the number of missing persons worldwide remains a significant humanitarian concern. This alarming situation demands strict adherence to the obligations outlined in international humanitarian law and considered in the context of internationally protected human rights. Effective international action is essential to alleviate the suffering of victims, their families, and societies at large.

The issue of missing persons has consistently been a priority on Azerbaijan’s agenda, including in the post-conflict period. Azerbaijan has been initiating the adoption of UN General Assembly resolutions on missing persons since 2002, which call for measures based on three main pillars: (1) taking all appropriate measures to prevent persons from going missing in connection with armed conflict; (2) accounting for persons reported missing as a result of such a situation; and (3) in cases of missing persons, taking such measures, as appropriate, to ensure thorough, prompt, impartial and effective investigations and the prosecution of offences linked to missing persons. Azerbaijan also contributes to the international efforts as a member of the Global Alliance for the Missing.

As part of international efforts, the third International Conference on “Uniting efforts and enhancing cooperation for addressing the issue of missing persons” was organised in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 9-11 October 2025. This Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons aims to address this humanitarian concern through strengthened cooperation.

Mr. Chair,

The fate of nearly four thousand (3390) Azerbaijani nationals who have gone missing in connection with the conflict since the early 1990s remains a critical humanitarian concern.

Among the missing, 779 are civilians, including 284 women, 316 elderly and 71 children. Since the end of the conflict, the remains of 218 persons have been recovered in 29 mass graves and other burial sites in the liberated territories.

These graves highlight the willful killing of civilians and other protected persons under international humanitarian law. Clarifying the fate of these individuals and ensuring accountability are vital steps toward fostering reconciliation and rebuilding trust.

Mr. Chair,

In addition to efforts to locate and identify missing persons, Azerbaijan has taken decisive steps to investigate and prosecute numerous atrocity crimes committed during the conflict, including those related to missing persons, in full accordance with its national legislation and international obligations.

The United Nations mechanisms must effectively address cases of missing persons in the context of armed conflict, with a view to determining the locations of mass graves and other burial sites and promoting accountability.

Thank you.