The issue of refugees and IDPs was discussed within the framework of EU special Project

The issue of refugees and IDPs was raised by Zaur Valimammadli, as a member of Advisory Group of EU Project entitled Human Rights and Conflicts, during the event on the Role of National Human Rights Institutions in conflict and post conflict situations held in Brussels. Zaur Valimammadli noted that 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory was occupied by Armenia, more than one million Azerbaijanis were forcefully displaced from their home lands and their rights were massively violated.

He said that Azerbaijani Ombudsman has repeatedly called on international organizations, the world community, sent written statements to ensure that refugees and IPDs return to their homes, and demanded restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, violated rights of refugees and IDPs; liberation of Azerbaijani captives and hostages; punishment of criminals who killed innocent and peaceful people.

Z.Valimammadli noted that in 2014 Russian citizen Dilgam Asgarov and Azerbaijani citizen Shahbaz Guliyev were taken hostages by Armenian Armed Forces while trying to visit their homeland in the occupied territories and that these people are still in captivity and subjected to torture. He added that the Azerbaijani Ombudsman several times appealed to international organizations, including the ICRC, to ensure the release of these persons.

Ombudsman’s representative also made proposals for further strengthening and coordinating the activities of the National Human Rights Institutions to end conflicts in the region and to protect the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons effectively.