Ombudsman: Victory Day embodies our national unity, sovereignty, and sustainable peace in the region

Sabina Aliyeva, the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, has issued a statement on the anniversary of Victory Day.

Operativ Media reports that the statement reads:

"November 8 – Victory Day holds a special place in the historical memory of the Azerbaijani people as the embodiment of national unity, solidarity, and loyalty to the Motherland. This remarkable day is a source of pride demonstrating our people's commitment to their statehood, values, and territorial integrity, carrying significant historical and moral importance for future generations.

As a result of Armenia's armed forces initiating military operations in Azerbaijani territories on September 27, 2020, serious threats were created for the lives and safety of the civilian population, damaging residential areas, civilian infrastructure, and social facilities. Exercising its right to self-defense enshrined in international law, the Republic of Azerbaijan conducted counter-offensive operations aimed at liberating its territories from occupation and ensuring the security of its population.

Under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Victorious Commander-in-Chief Mr. Ilham Aliyev, through the heroism of our brave Army and the unwavering solidarity of our people, the 44-day Patriotic War ended in a historic Victory, achieving crucial results toward restoring our country's territorial integrity.

In addition to embodying justice, this Victory yielded vital outcomes in terms of restoring the violated rights of former internally displaced persons, ensuring the life and safety of the civilian population, and implementing UN Security Council resolutions that had remained unfulfilled for many years.

In the post-war period, security in the region was ensured by preventing provocations by occupying and separatist forces that posed a threat to peace and tranquility. A new stage in our statehood history began with the full restoration of our country's sovereignty following the local counter-terrorism measures carried out in September 2023 to protect human rights and freedoms.

The initialing of the 'Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Inter-State Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia' during the meeting of the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington in August last year, with the participation of the President of the United States, created new prospects for advancing the peace agenda in the region, shaping neighborly relations, and ensuring peaceful coexistence among peoples.

Despite the positive outcomes achieved, important humanitarian issues remain pending, such as clarifying the fate of persons missing during the war, continuing the safe and dignified return of former internally displaced persons to their native lands, clearing liberated territories of mines and unexploded ordnance, and eliminating the consequences of severe damage caused to the region's ecological system, natural resources, flora, and fauna during the occupation.

As the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I call on international organizations, ombudsman institutions, and national human rights bodies to continue their efforts toward addressing the humanitarian consequences of the war, supporting the resolution of issues concerning missing persons, combating the mine threat, and promoting sustainable peace.

On the sixth anniversary of Victory Day, I pay deep respect to the cherished memory of our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country, and I wish lasting peace, security, tranquility, and a prosperous future for our nation and region."