Latest update · First report ↓
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has addressed participants of the “Fourth International Conference within the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons.”
“Operative Information Center-OMM” reports that the message was delivered by Ali Naghiyev, chairman of the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons and head of the State Security Service.
First report · Latest update ↑
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has addressed participants of the “Fourth International Conference within the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons.”
“Operative Information Center-OMM” reports that the message was delivered by Ali Naghiyev, chairman of the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons and head of the State Security Service.
The message reads:
- Dear conference participants!
I warmly welcome you to the fourth international conference, held within the Baku Dialogue and dedicated to strengthening trust and developing effective mechanisms to address the problem of missing persons.
The problem of missing persons is one of the gravest consequences of armed conflicts. We view it as a universal humanitarian issue affecting people’s lives in different parts of the world.
Despite the end of the conflict, determining the fate of missing persons remains one of the most important issues for the Azerbaijani state. Launched at Azerbaijan’s initiative, the Baku Dialogue serves as an important platform for bringing together the efforts of states, international organizations and experts on missing persons, exchanging experience, expanding practical cooperation and raising international awareness of the issue.
Azerbaijan’s full restoration of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, together with its consistent policies, has created a historic opportunity for lasting peace and cooperation in the South Caucasus. The signing of a joint declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington on Aug. 8, 2025, in the presence of the President of the United States, as well as the initialing of a peace agreement between the two countries, was an important step in this direction.
Establishing lasting peace requires not only political agreements but also stronger trust and the resolution of the humanitarian consequences of the conflict. Determining the fate of missing persons is an integral part of this process and a moral responsibility we bear toward their families.
As a result of Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, which continued for more than 30 years, 4,010 Azerbaijanis, including children, women and elderly people, have been registered as missing. We regret to note that the International Committee of the Red Cross’s efforts over the years have not produced results.
The historic victory in the Patriotic War and the liberation of our territories from occupation have opened up new opportunities to search for our missing citizens. The State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons has expanded its work and is conducting intensive efforts to locate missing citizens and identify mass graves.
To date, 32 mass graves have been discovered in our liberated territories. Examinations of human remains indicate that Azerbaijanis who were killed had been subjected to torture. Concealing prisoners and hostages from international organizations, torturing and killing them, and covering up traces of these crimes constitute gross violations of international law. These acts must be given a legal assessment.
Azerbaijan will continue to mobilize all available resources to clarify the fate of people whose whereabouts remain unknown. None of our missing citizens is forgotten, and determining their fate remains a constant focus of the state. It is our moral duty to provide comprehensive support and care to every family affected by this tragedy and to share in their pain.
The effectiveness of searches for missing persons depends directly on obtaining accurate information. Armenia must provide all information about the fate of missing Azerbaijanis and the locations of mass and individual burials, and facilitate access to relevant archives
and the collection of witness testimony. This would be a legal obligation and humanitarian responsibility, as well as a practical expression of commitment to peace and a contribution to strengthening mutual trust. Information concerning human lives must not be subject to political conditions.
Dear conference participants!
Since 2002, Azerbaijan has put forward initiatives on resolutions concerning missing persons at the UN General Assembly. We believe it is important to further strengthen international efforts in this area. The UN and other relevant international organizations should, within their mandates, take a more active role in searches, information exchange, the development of forensic capabilities and increased support for families.
Effective mechanisms in this area must be based on political will, reliable information and sustained cooperation. The use of modern technologies, access to archival records, training specialists and regularly informing families are key areas of this work. All activities must be carried out without discrimination and with respect for human dignity and international humanitarian law. Azerbaijan is ready to contribute to joint initiatives on this issue. In this regard, we consider it necessary to establish a dedicated mechanism on missing persons within the UN framework to give the issue greater global attention.
I am confident that the discussions and proposals put forward at the conference will help clarify the fate of missing persons and strengthen international humanitarian cooperation.
I wish the conference success and all of you productive discussions.
