Statement by H.E. Mr. Tofig F. Musayev

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations

at the plenary meeting of the eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly under agenda item 131: The responsibility to protect and the prevention of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity

6 July 2026

As the Secretary-General underscored in his report (A/80/716–S/2026/362), the responsibility to protect must be implemented in a consistent and sustained manner at the national, regional and multilateral levels, free from double standards.

The same report further notes that permissive interpretations of legal obligations, assertions of exceptional circumstances, the use of disinformation, the denial of fact-based evidence, and non-compliance with international law erode respect for international norms and exact an immense human toll.

Azerbaijan continues to bear the profound humanitarian consequences of the past conflict on its territory. These include approximately 300,000 refugees, more than 700,000 internally displaced persons, the widespread destruction of towns and villages, the growing number of civilians killed or injured by landmines and other explosive remnants of war, and the continuing uncertainty surrounding the fate and whereabouts of over 4,000 missing persons.

In the post-conflict period, 32 mass graves have been discovered and the remains of 877 persons have been recovered. These findings provide further evidence of the wilful killing of civilians and other persons protected under international humanitarian law. Through forensic genetic identification, the remains of 220 victims have been identified, returned to their families and laid to rest with dignity.

Accountability lies at the heart of addressing the legacy of atrocity crimes. It is indispensable for establishing the truth, preserving the historical record, preventing denial and revisionism, restoring the dignity of victims and survivors, and laying the foundations for genuine reconciliation. It is equally essential for building a peaceful, just and inclusive future grounded in the rule of law.

States have a clear obligation to investigate, prosecute and punish gross violations and abuses of international human rights law, as well as serious violations of international humanitarian law. This obligation has been consistently reaffirmed by both the General Assembly and the Security Council.
 

Conversely, the denial or disregard of serious violations, as well as politically motivated attempts to discredit and obstruct justice, demonstrate contempt for international law and the rule of law and undermine efforts to combat impunity.

It is therefore imperative that all relevant stakeholders assess allegations with the utmost rigor, impartiality and objectivity; rely exclusively on credible, independently verified and conclusive evidence; and clearly distinguish between unfounded allegations and disinformation, on the one hand, and a State's legitimate right and responsibility to protect its population and ensure criminal accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, on the other.

Azerbaijan has taken decisive steps to investigate and prosecute atrocity crimes committed during the past conflict. We remain firmly committed to further strengthening the prevention and protection architecture and advancing accountability in full accordance with our obligations under international law.

Thank you.