During the #UNGA81 #FirstCommittee thematic discussions on #disarmamentmachinery, #Azerbaijan emphasised that the #UNDC remains a vital component of the international disarmament architecture, serving as a dedicated platform for substantive, in-depth deliberations on key disarmament challenges. It also commended the work of #UNODA for its continued support for multilateral disarmament processes as well as its assistance to Member States in fulfilling their relevant obligations and commitments, and #UNIDIR for its efforts to facilitate discussions on existing and emerging challenges to international security. Through sustained political will and constructive engagement, the disarmament machinery can fulfil its respective mandates more effectively and contribute to tangible progress in disarmament and international security.

During the interactive dialogue with the Chair of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities at the #3C of the #UNGA, #Azerbaijan underscored that its state policy on disabilities is guided by the principles of inclusivity, integration, equality, non-discrimination, and respect for the characteristics of persons with disabilities. The statement highlighted that, as a result of the reforms undertaken in recent years, negative connotations have been removed from legislative acts, disability governance has been modernised through digital transformation, and Azerbaijani Sign Language has been officially recognised. The nexus between landmines, ERWs and IEDs, and acquired disability was highlighted, while stressing the importance of international solidarity and support to prevent disability, particularly by strengthening national mine-action efforts.

During the #UNGA81 #FirstCommittee thematic discussions on other disarmament measures and international security, #Azerbaijan highlighted that #ICTs continue to transform societies, creating significant opportunities for sustainable development, economic growth, innovation and enhanced connectivity, while supporting the delivery of essential public services, including in the fields of healthcare and education. It was emphasised that malicious ICT activities continue to increase in frequency, scale and sophistication, with the potential to affect critical infrastructure, critical information infrastructure and essential services, undermine trust and confidence, spread misinformation and disinformation, and generate consequences that extend beyond national borders. In this regard, particular attention was given to the importance of strengthening international cooperation and advancing practical measures to reduce risks, enhance resilience, and support the secure, stable, accessible, peaceful, and interoperable use of ICTs. Azerbaijan commends the efforts aimed at maintaining and fostering an open, secure, stable, accessible, peaceful, and interoperable environment for information and communications technology.

During the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief at the #3C of the #UNGA, #Azerbaijan reaffirmed that the effective realization of freedom of religion or belief is a cornerstone of stable societies in which mutual understanding, tolerance and respect can thrive. It was stressed that, rather than including groundless allegations in her report (A/81/376) submitted to the session, the Special Rapporteur should have referred to Azerbaijan in the context of the 30-year occupation of its territories, during which religious heritage of universal value, including monuments associated with the Islamic faith, was deliberately destroyed and annihilated. In particular, at least 65 mosques were razed to the ground, while cemeteries were desecrated and looted on a widespread scale. The statement underscored that the continued silence of the Special Rapporteur on these documented violations, coupled with the inclusion of unverified information in her report, raises serious questions regarding the impartiality and objectivity of her reporting. In this regard, it was emphasized that mandate holders must discharge their functions objectively and impartially, without outside interference of any kind, in accordance with HRC resolution 5/2 of 18 June 2007, entitled “Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-Holders.”

During the #UNGA81 #FirstCommittee thematic discussions on #conventionalweapons, #Azerbaijan informed the Committee that for nearly three decades, parts of its territory that were under occupation served as a “grey zone”, creating conditions conducive to illicit activity, including the trafficking of conventional arms, ammunition and related material. It was emphasised that, following the restoration of its sovereignty, Azerbaijan strengthened border controls in these areas, thereby reducing the risk of such illicit trafficking. Particular attention was drawn to the landmine threat in Azerbaijan. Over the past three decades, more than 3,500 people have fallen victim to landmines and explosive remnants of war. Since November 2020 alone, 443 Azerbaijani citizens, including women and children, have been killed or injured, with the number continuing to rise. The statement underscored that, beyond the immediate threat to human life, extensive landmine contamination continues to impede reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, restrict the use of agricultural land, and hinder the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons to their places of origin. Addressing the persistent landmine threat in Azerbaijan requires sustained international solidarity, stronger partnerships and enhanced assistance for humanitarian mine action.

During the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons at the #3C of the #UNGA, #Azerbaijan informed of its considerable experience in accommodating and assisting IDPs throughout the almost 30 years of occupation, as well as in restoring their violated rights and addressing the consequences of their prolonged displacement in the post conflict-period. It was highlighted that through the implementation of the Great Return Programme, nearly 100,000 people are now living, working and studying in newly constructed communities across 48 residential areas in liberated territories. The statement emphasized that, as informed by the Special Rapporteur in her report (A/81/339) submitted to the session, the clearance of landmines, other explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices is a prerequisite for restoring livelihoods, achieving economic recovery and securing durable solutions for IDPs.

During the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants at the #3C of the #UNGA, #Azerbaijan delivered a statement on behalf of the Champion Countries of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). The joint statement reaffirmed that all migrants, regardless of their migration status, are human rights holders, including migrant children. It was highlighted that the GCM Champion countries are committed to protecting the rights of the child and upholding the best interests of the child at all times, as a primary consideration. The GCM Champion countries stressed that protecting the rights of migrant children and preserving family unity require the same spirit of international cooperation and dialogue that lies at the heart of the GCM, as no State can address migration alone.

Amb. Tofig F. Musayev, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the UN, welcomed Amb. Aiaz Baetov, the newly appointed Permanent Representative of the Kyrgyz Republic to the UN. They discussed the strong and fruitful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan at the United Nations and exchanged views on current issues of mutual interest on the UN agenda. Amb. Musayev wished his Kyrgyz colleague every success in his new assignment and during Kyrgyzstan’s tenure as an elected member of the UN Security Council.

During the interactive dialogue with the Chair of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances and the Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances at the #3C of the #UNGA, #Azerbaijan reaffirmed that upholding respective obligations and effective international cooperation is of utmost importance to properly address and alleviate the suffering of victims, their families and societies at large. The statement highlighted that providing all necessary information on burial sites, in particular mass graves, opening of archives and collection of witness statements were among the measures to be implemented for realisation of the right to know for missing persons’ families. It was noted that as part of its international efforts, #Azerbaijan regularly initiated resolutions on missing persons in the General Assembly and organized annual international conference - “Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons”.

During the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights at the #3C of the #UNGA, #Azerbaijan reiterated its commitment to upholding cultural rights without discrimination, as an integral part of the broader human rights framework. It was stressed that effective measures were needed to build and sustain resilient societies, particularly by promoting and respecting cultural diversity. #Azerbaijan’s flagship initiative – the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue – was highlighted as a key global platform, the 7th to be held from 27 to 29 October 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

During the #UNGA81 #FirstCommittee thematic discussions on other weapons of mass destruction, #Azerbaijan emphasised the significance of the Conventions prohibiting biological and chemical weapons as a vital component of the global arms control framework and, in this regard, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the goals of complete chemical and biological disarmament. Azerbaijan commended the work of the #OPCW in advancing the peaceful application of chemical technology and capacity building, and underscored its active engagement with the Organisation by hosting relevant conferences, making a voluntary contribution to the OPCW Trust Fund for Training, and supporting the ChemTech Centre. It was emphasised that by fully restoring sovereignty over its territories from foreign occupation, Azerbaijan strengthened border control, thereby preventing the risk of illicit trafficking in components of weapons of mass destruction – an effort aligned with the Convention’s objectives.

In his statement on agenda item 81 (“Status of the Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts”) at the UNGA Sixth Committee, Amb. @TofigMusayev, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the @UN, reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s firm commitment to the fundamental principles and rules of international humanitarian law. He drew attention to the continued deaths and injuries among civilians in Azerbaijan caused by landmines and other explosive remnants of war, as well as to the fate of thousands of Azerbaijanis who remain missing in connection with the former conflict. The Committee was also informed about the prosecution and conviction of military commanders and leaders of the former occupation regime for offences committed during the conflict, most of which constitute serious crimes under international law. It was underscored that calls for their release are unfounded and contrary to international law. Amb. Musayev stressed that, as such crimes constitute attacks on universal values, no State should arrogate to itself the right to absolve their perpetrators or disregard the legal consequences of their crimes. The international community must remain steadfast in opposing impunity and standing with victims, survivors and their families. Peace and accountability are not competing objectives. Justice helps establish the truth, preserve the historical record, counter denial and revisionism, and provide a foundation for genuine reconciliation.

Ambassador Tofig F. Musayev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, welcomed Mr. Rafael Peralta, Regional Director for the New York Office and North America of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The meeting provided an opportunity for a productive exchange of views on ongoing cooperation between Azerbaijan and UNEP, as well as on a range of issues of mutual interest in the areas of environmental protection and sustainable development.