Azerbaijan’s Post-War Recovery and Peace Efforts Praised at IPU Assembly in Geneva

At the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova underscored Azerbaijan’s transformation from a recipient of humanitarian aid to a donor nation actively supporting global relief initiatives.

Speaking at a session titled “Respecting Humanitarian Norms and Supporting Humanitarian Action in Times of Crisis”, Gafarova drew attention to the humanitarian challenges Azerbaijan continues to face in the aftermath of the Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict, particularly the issue of landmines and missing persons.

“Since 2020, more than 400 Azerbaijanis have been killed or injured by landmines planted during the years of occupation,” she said. “These remnants of war not only endanger human life but also devastate the environment – polluting soil and water, destroying biodiversity, and hindering the use of fertile land.”

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Gafarova emphasized that humanitarian demining is a vital part of both the country’s security policy and its environmental restoration efforts. She noted that Azerbaijan’s reconstruction of the liberated territories follows principles of sustainable development, integrating “smart villages” and “green energy zones” to align recovery with ecological progress.

She also highlighted that during the early 1990s, nearly one million Azerbaijanis became refugees and internally displaced persons, calling it a profound humanitarian tragedy for a nation of eight million at the time.

“Thanks to consistent government action and international support, Azerbaijan addressed the urgent needs of its displaced population,” Gafarova said. “Today, more than 50,000 people have already returned to live, work, and study in the liberated territories – a testament to strong political will and humanitarian dedication under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.”

The Speaker also described the August 2025 signing of a Joint Declaration and the initialing of a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington as a “historic step toward ending decades of conflict,” expressing hope that it would open a new chapter of lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

“This agreement proves that even long-standing conflicts can be resolved through dialogue and political will,” she concluded.