Statement by H.E. Mr. Tofig Musayev Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations at the General Assembly informal meeting on “Missing Persons”
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Azərbaycan Respublikasının |
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Permanent Mission |
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Statement by H.E. Mr. Tofig Musayev Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations at the General Assembly informal meeting on “Missing Persons”
2 April 2025 Mr. President,
At the outset, I would like to thank you for convening this first-ever General Assembly meeting on missing persons. Azerbaijan is proud to be the author and initiator of the Assembly’s biennial resolution on missing persons, which has been adopted by consensus since 2004 and of which the latest two, 77/220 and 79/173, mandated this meeting.
Despite the clear obligations laid down in international humanitarian law and considered in the context of internationally protected human rights, the number of missing persons in connection with armed conflict is distressingly high, with suffering for the victims, their families and societies.
Mr. President,
The fate and whereabouts of nearly four thousand (3,983) Azerbaijani nationals went missing during the Armenian aggression and occupation since the early 1990s continue to require close attention and action. Among the missing, 774 are civilians, including 116 women, 315 elderly and 75 children. In several cases, individuals went missing along with their family members, resulting in the destruction of entire generations. Some of the missing disappeared even after being visited in custody by the ICRC.
Since the end of the occupation and conflict, the remains of 120 people found in 23 mass graves and other burial sites in the liberated territories have been identified and returned to their families. These graves shed light on the willful killing of civilians and other persons protected under international humanitarian law.
In addition to the measures to search and identify missing persons, Azerbaijan has also taken decisive steps to investigate and prosecute numerous atrocity crimes committed during the conflict, including those linked to missing persons, in full accordance with its legislation and international obligations. However, most of the perpetrators, having found safe haven in Armenia and other countries, continue to enjoy impunity. The denial and ignorance of their crimes, along with the attempts to obstruct and discredit justice constitute clear contempt for international law and the rule of law.
States are obliged to cooperate to effectively solve cases of missing persons, as well as to investigate and prosecute offenses related to such persons, as repeatedly reaffirmed in the General Assembly resolutions and the Secretary-General’s reports.
The rights of victims and their families demand that the obligations in respect of missing persons be translated into action synchronized with zero tolerance to impunity. Determining the fate of all missing individuals and ensuring accountability are crucial steps in restoring and building trust and sustainable peace in our region and elsewhere. Azerbaijan will resolutely continue its efforts towards this end.
Thank you.
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