The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Ms. Dunja Mijatovic has visited the Western Azerbaijan Community, and held a meeting with the Community leadership and a group of Azerbaijani refugees from Armenia.
During the meeting with the Deputy Chairman of the Community's Youth Union, MP Kamal Jafarov and other leaders, extensive information was given about the forced expulsion of Azerbaijanis from Armenia, and it was emphasized that the international community should take urgent measures regarding this violation of human rights. The representatives of the community pointed out that Armenia grossly violates international law, including the human rights conventions of the Council of Europe, by expelling Azerbaijanis from there and preventing their return. In this regard, it was noted that the co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on Armenia and the Commissioner for Human Rights should deal with the issue, and it was emphasized that discrimination on ethnic grounds in the issue of the right of return is inadmissible.
The representatives of the community stated that the Western Azerbaijan Community is ready for a dialogue with the Armenian government for a peaceful and fair solution to the issue. The community called on Ms. Mijatovic to support the return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia to their homes, including conducting an impartial investigation into the violations, organizing thematic visits to Armenia and putting pressure on this state.
Later, Miyatovic met with a group of Azerbaijani refugees from Armenia. The refugees shared their memories of the forced deportation from Armenia, where they pointed out facts such as the destruction of cemeteries and historical monuments belonging to Azerbaijanis, and the killing of more than 200 Azerbaijanis during the deportation. Professor Gulchohra Mammadova from the Vedi district, Ali Eyvazov from Big Garakilsa and others gave detailed information about the calamities committed against Azerbaijanis.
Academician Ahliman Amiraslanov from the Basarkecher district, chairman of the Council of Elders of the Community, said that Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia have been waiting for their return for 35 years. Noting that every day that passes without a country increases the suffering of refugees, the speaker said that a lot of time has passed since the expulsion of Azerbaijanis from Armenia, and emphasized that it is unacceptable to put this issue on the back burner.
Ms. Miyatovich noted that she understands the importance of the right of return of refugees, including Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia, and stated that the solution of this issue requires political will. He informed about his mandate and the objectives of his visit to the region and noted that he will deal with the issues raised within his powers.
