An international conference titled "Modern Approaches and Strengthening Cooperation in Resolving the Issue of Missing Persons" was held in Baku within the framework of cooperation with the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), APA reports.
The conference was moderated by Gazanfar Ahmadov, Secretary of the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons and Head of its Working Group.
The conference began with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan and a one-minute silence in memory of the martyrs.
Deputy Chief of the State Security Service Sharafat Hasanov announced that, as of June 30, 2026, a total of 4,010 people are registered by the State Commission as missing as a result of Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan, and presented the latest statistics.
Lieutenant General Sharafat Hasanov said Azerbaijan continues its efforts to increase international attention to the issue of missing persons.
"In a letter addressed to the State Commission in November 2025, ICMP Director-General Kathryne Bomberger informed us that the Azerbaijani-language integrated version of the organization's Information Management System would be provided to the State Commission, together with a roadmap for its initial implementation," he said.
Hasanov noted that the Information Data Management System (IDMS) will consolidate all existing databases related to missing persons onto a single platform and enable relevant state institutions to enter and process information in real time.
"As a result, information will be available more quickly and decisions can be made more efficiently. In addition, the system will enable citizens of Azerbaijan and Armenia to confidentially provide information regarding missing persons, including burial sites.
The information provided will be used solely for humanitarian purposes, and those providing it will bear no responsibility under any circumstances. The objective is to help clarify the fate of missing persons," he said.
Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov highlighted Azerbaijan's efforts in the international arena.
"The Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons, initiated by Azerbaijan, has become an important platform for raising international awareness of this humanitarian tragedy. The next international conference within the framework of the Baku Dialogue will be held on October 7–10 this year," he said.
ICMP Director-General Kathryne Bomberger highly praised Azerbaijan's contribution to achieving peace in the region.
"The database to be established between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be of crucial importance for cooperation," she said.
Bomberger also spoke about the potential for further cooperation with Azerbaijan in this field.
The conference also featured speeches by Head of the Military Medical Department of the State Security Service, Medical Service Major General Rufat Aliyev, and Director of the Ministry of Health's Forensic Medical Examination and Pathological Anatomy Union Adalat Hasanov.
Members of the Milli Majlis Arzu Naghiyev and Zahid Oruj proposed strengthening the status of the Working Group of the State Commission, including its employees in the category of civil servants, improving its material and technical resources and human capacity, and enhancing the social protection and healthcare of its staff.
MP Rizvan Nabiyev shared international experience in this field.
The event continued with discussions.
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An international conference titled "Modern Approaches to Resolving the Issue of Missing Persons and Strengthening Cooperation" is being held in Baku in cooperation with the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), APA reports.
Officials from the State Security Service, foreign representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, and members of parliament are participating in the conference.
The event is moderated by Gazanfar Ahmadov, Secretary of the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons and Head of the Working Group.
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