BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 21. Azerbaijan will continue its efforts to determine the fate of missing persons, disclose information about mass graves and strengthen international cooperation in this regard.
This was stated by Shahriyar Hajiyev, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, during an interactive dialogue with the Chair of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances at the Third Committee of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
“Enforced disappearance undermines the deepest values of any society committed to human rights and fundamental freedoms. This phenomenon, including the identification of the fate and whereabouts of missing persons, necessitates strict adherence to the obligations set out in international humanitarian and human rights law.
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 issue of missing persons is one of the grave concerns of armed conflicts and should be viewed as a global challenge affecting human lives in various regions across the globe. In this regard, the fate of missing persons remains one of the most critical priorities for Azerbaijan in the post- conflict period. Over 4000 persons are registered as missing in relation to the former conflict, including 288 women, 71 children and 319 older persons.
Search efforts have intensified following the liberation of the occupied territories. To date, the remains of 913 individuals have been found, and 328 of them have been identified through DNA testing and forensic methods. Of those identified, 273 have been handed over to their families, enabling them to perform the burial rites.
In the meantime, since the end of the conflict, 32 mass graves containing the remains of 253 individuals have been discovered. These graves provide further evidence of the wilful killing of civilians and other persons protected under international humanitarian law.
Providing all necessary information on burial sites, in particular mass graves, opening of archives and collection of witness statements are among the measures to be implemented for realisation of the right to know for missing persons' families. Transmitting all relevant information concerning missing persons, beyond being a legal obligation and a humanitarian responsibility, would serve as a practical demonstration of a commitment to peace and contribute to strengthening mutual trust.
As part of its international efforts, Azerbaijan regularly initiates resolutions on missing persons in the General Assembly. In addition, the annually organized international conference - “Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons", aims to address this humanitarian concern through strengthened international cooperation. The 4th conference was held from 7 to 10 October 2026 under the theme "Strengthening Trust and Developing Effective Mechanisms for Addressing the Issue of Missing Persons."
The United Nations and other relevant international organisations should, within the scope of their respective mandates, play a more active role in conducting searches, facilitating the exchange of information, developing forensic expertise and increasing support for affected families.
To conclude, Azerbaijan will continue to mobilise all its resources to shed light on the fate of persons whose whereabouts remain unknown,” Shahriyar Hajiyev stated.