Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov visited Geneva from February 23-25, 2026, to participate in the high-level segment of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC).
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) reporting to Operative Information Center-OMM, the Deputy Minister delivered a speech at the session and held several important bilateral meetings. During his address, the Deputy Minister touched upon the current state of the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process in the post-conflict period. He specifically emphasized issues arising from the Washington agreement between the two countries and the contributions the Zangazur corridor will make to regional development.
Furthermore, measures implemented by Azerbaijan to eliminate the humanitarian consequences of the former conflict were discussed. These include clarifying the fate of missing persons, combating the landmine threat, and the "Great Return" program, which ensures the safe return of internally displaced persons to their native lands. It was noted that large-scale mine contamination remains a serious obstacle to the full realization of human rights, and strengthening international cooperation in this field is essential.
The Deputy Minister declared that the legal proceedings regarding individuals accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity were conducted in full compliance with international law and national legislation. Through these decisions, Azerbaijan has restored justice. Specifically, it was recalled that the UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention rejected Armenia's claims regarding the Ruben Vardanyan case. In an opinion published on March 13, 2025, it was reaffirmed that the legal procedures carried out by Azerbaijan complied with international standards.
The UN Human Rights Council, established in 2006, serves as the primary inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. Azerbaijan's active participation in this forum underscores its commitment to international legal norms and its role in addressing global challenges. The Deputy Minister also highlighted Azerbaijan's growing role on the international stage, noting that the COP29 event hosted in the country provided a significant contribution to accelerating global climate action.
