Azərbaycan Respublikasının
BMT yanında
Daimi Nümayəndəliyi

Permanent Mission
of the Republic of Azerbaijan
to the United Nations

633 Third Avenue, Suite 3210, New York, N.Y. 10017
Tel.: (212) 371-2559; Fax: (212) 371-2784

Statement by H.E. Mr. Tofig Musayev

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations

at the special solemn meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in commemoration of all victims of the Second World War

68th plenary meeting, agenda item 135: “Eightieth anniversary of the

end of the Second World War”, 7 May 2025

Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to join the previous speakers in emphasizing the importance of this solemn meeting of the General Assembly. Today, we come together to remember one of the most tragic and defining chapters in history, the Second World War, and to honor the immense sacrifices made in the name of peace, freedom and human dignity.

The Second World War brought untold sorrow to humankind. Its scale, devastation and loss of life were unprecedented. Tens of millions perished, entire cities were reduced to ruins, and generations were marked by grief. The horrors of the war and the memory of its countless victims must never be forgotten.

This commemoration offers us a profound opportunity to reflect on our shared past. It reminds us of the resilience of humanity, the dangers of division and hatred, and the enduring importance of unity in the face of existential threats. It is a moment to pay tribute to those who gave their lives, and to recognize the nations and peoples whose courage shaped the victory over fascism.

Mr. President, the Second World War touched every continent and every nation, and my country – Azerbaijan was no exception. The war left its mark on every Azerbaijani family. Nearly 700,000 of our sons and daughters were mobilized to the front, out of 3.4 million of the total population of Azerbaijan at the time. More than 350,000 made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mr. President, the victory was achieved not only on the battlefield, but also through the unbreakable will and dedication of the home front. Azerbaijan played a pivotal role in supplying the wartime economy.

The oil workers in our capital Baku toiled day and night, producing over 80 percent of the crude oil and 96 percent of lubricants used by the army. More than 130 types of military equipment, armaments and ammunition were manufactured in Azerbaijan during the war.

Our people also opened their homes and hearts to those in need and provided vital humanitarian support. Forty-one military hospitals operated in Baku alone, where over 440,000 wounded soldiers received medical care.

Mr. President, the desire to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war led to the establishment of the United Nations and the development of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. The creation of multinational judicial institutions to prosecute and punish war crimes underscored the potential of justice when backed by political will.

The lessons of the Second World War continue to shape our world today, particularly as tensions rise, old conflicts resurface or new ones emerge, and international norms and customs are eroded. If international law and the rule of law are to mean anything, and it is indeed so judging at least by statements and discussions that the walls in this very building hear almost daily, then selectivity and double standards must have no place in matters relating to the maintenance of peace and security, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and the promotion of human rights and justice.

As we commemorate this anniversary and all victims, we must reaffirm our commitment to the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and strengthen our resolve to prevent and settle conflicts, end impunity for serious offences, confront disinformation, foster cooperation and build a future grounded in peace, justice and mutual respect.

Thank you.