Azerbaijan
A defining feature of most, if not all, conflicts is still the failure of par...
A defining feature of most, if not all, conflicts is still the failure of parties to respect and ensure respect for their obligations to protect civilians. Civilians continue to suffer from inadequate protection in situations of armed conflict, including discriminatory treatment, torture, sexual violence, extrajudicial executions, mass population displacements and ethnic cleansing. In many situations of armed conflict, sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war to strike terror and to force civilians to leave their native lands. Azerbaijan strongly condemns all acts of violence committed against women and girls in situations of armed conflict. It is imperative that all parties to armed conflict strictly abide by their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.
In three days, we will commemorate the twentieth anniversary of atrocious cri...
In three days, we will commemorate the twentieth anniversary of atrocious crimes committed against the Azerbaijani civilians of the town of Khojaly, where during one night hundreds ofcivilians were killed only because they were Azerbaijanis. Not even women and children were spared by the invading troops. In its resolutions adopted in 1993 in response to the occupation of Azerbaijani territories, the Security Council referred specifically to violations of international humanitarian law and attacks on civilians. We are confident that consistent measures being taken at the national level, as well as the existing international legal framework, will serve to bring to justice those responsible for crimes in Khojaly and other grave offences committed during the occupation of Azerbaijan's territories. It is incontrovertible today that no official or political status cloaks the person concerned with immunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.
The adoption by the Security Council of the landmark resolution 1325 (2001) w...
The adoption by the Security Council of the landmark resolution 1325 (2001) was an important milestone that took up the issue of women and peace and security as a separate thematic issue and brought international visibility to the plight of women and girls in situations of armed conflict. The subsequent Council resolutions, presidential statements and other relevant documents have contributed to developing a solid framework and raising awareness of the impact that sexual violence has on victims' families and societies. The heightened vulnerability of civilians in wartime — in particular forcibly displaced persons, refugees, women and children — brings an element of urgency, dedication and strong commitment to our protection efforts, which must be free of selectivity and politically motivated approaches and preferences. Azerbaijan notes the role that the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict must play in that regard.
Among the pressing issues requiring urgent action and attention is that of wo...
Among the pressing issues requiring urgent action and attention is that of women taken hostage and reported missing in connection with armed conflict. We are continuing our efforts to address that disturbing phenomenon, including through the relevant biennial resolution of the General Assembly and the Commission on the Status of Women, of which Azerbaijan is a main sponsor. In that regard, I would like to recall that, inter alia, at its fifty-fourth session, the Commission called for the immediate release of women and children taken hostage in armed conflicts, including by strengthening international cooperation to that end. More resolute and
targeted measures are required to end impunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, including those committed against women in situations of armed conflict. Combating impunity is important not only for the purposes of prosecuting such crimes and bringing those responsible to justice, but also for ensuring sustainable peace, truth and reconciliation.