Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Elnur Mammadov paid a visit to Geneva on February 23–25, 2026, to participate in the high-level segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told APA.
As part of the visit, the Deputy Minister delivered a speech at the high-level segment of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council and also held several high-level bilateral meetings.
During his speech, the Deputy Minister spoke about the current state of the Azerbaijan–Armenia normalization process in the post-conflict period, as well as issues arising from the Washington agreement between the two countries, including the contribution of the Zangezur corridor to regional development.
At the same time, information was provided on the "Great Return" program, which includes clarifying the fate of missing persons, combating the mine threat, and the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons, as part of the measures taken by Azerbaijan to eliminate the humanitarian consequences of the past conflict.
It was noted that large-scale mine contamination remains a serious obstacle to the full realization of human rights and that strengthening international cooperation in this area is essential.
During his speech, the Deputy Minister also emphasized that the trial of individuals accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity was conducted in accordance with international law and national legislation, and that through the decisions rendered, Azerbaijan has restored justice.
It was noted that large-scale mine contamination remains a serious obstacle to the full realization of human rights and that strengthening international cooperation in this area is essential. During his speech, the Deputy Minister also emphasized that the trial of individuals accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity was conducted in accordance with international law and national legislation, and that through the decisions rendered, Azerbaijan has restored justice.
It was recalled that in its opinion published on March 13, 2025, regarding the case of Ruben Vardanyan, the UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention rejected the claims of the Armenian side and once again confirmed that the legal procedures carried out by Azerbaijan comply with international standards.
It was also emphasized that Azerbaijan’s role as an international dialogue platform is growing. It was noted that the COP29 event held in Azerbaijan made a significant contribution to accelerating climate action, and that this year Baku will host the 82nd session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum, and the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue.
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