During the #UNGA81 #FirstCommittee thematic discussions on other weapons of mass destruction, #Azerbaijan emphasised the significance of the Conventions prohibiting biological and chemical weapons as a vital component of the global arms control framework and, in this regard, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the goals of complete chemical and biological disarmament. Azerbaijan commended the work of the #OPCW in advancing the peaceful application of chemical technology and capacity building, and underscored its active engagement with the Organisation by hosting relevant conferences, making a voluntary contribution to the OPCW Trust Fund for Training, and supporting the ChemTech Centre. It was emphasised that by fully restoring sovereignty over its territories from foreign occupation, Azerbaijan strengthened border control, thereby preventing the risk of illicit trafficking in components of weapons of mass destruction – an effort aligned with the Convention’s objectives.

In his statement on agenda item 81 (“Status of the Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts”) at the UNGA Sixth Committee, Amb. @TofigMusayev, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the @UN, reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s firm commitment to the fundamental principles and rules of international humanitarian law. He drew attention to the continued deaths and injuries among civilians in Azerbaijan caused by landmines and other explosive remnants of war, as well as to the fate of thousands of Azerbaijanis who remain missing in connection with the former conflict. The Committee was also informed about the prosecution and conviction of military commanders and leaders of the former occupation regime for offences committed during the conflict, most of which constitute serious crimes under international law. It was underscored that calls for their release are unfounded and contrary to international law. Amb. Musayev stressed that, as such crimes constitute attacks on universal values, no State should arrogate to itself the right to absolve their perpetrators or disregard the legal consequences of their crimes. The international community must remain steadfast in opposing impunity and standing with victims, survivors and their families. Peace and accountability are not competing objectives. Justice helps establish the truth, preserve the historical record, counter denial and revisionism, and provide a foundation for genuine reconciliation.

Ambassador Tofig F. Musayev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, welcomed Mr. Rafael Peralta, Regional Director for the New York Office and North America of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The meeting provided an opportunity for a productive exchange of views on ongoing cooperation between Azerbaijan and UNEP, as well as on a range of issues of mutual interest in the areas of environmental protection and sustainable development.

During the #UNGA81 #First Committee thematic debate on nuclear weapons, #Azerbaijan shared its firm conviction that upholding and fully implementing the #NPT is a key priority. Azerbaijan commended the leading role of the #IAEA in strengthening global nuclear safety and security, promoting the #peacefuluses of #nuclearenergy and technology, and supporting Member States in addressing their national development priorities and advancing the SDGs, and emphasised that it places great importance on its cooperation with the IAEA, ensuring the country fully benefits from the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. It was also highlighted that the international community must rebuild trust and renew its commitment to #non-proliferation and #disarmament.

During the interactive dialogue with the Chairs of the Committee against Torture and the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment at the #3C of the #UNGA, #Azerbaijan stressed that the right to be free from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, as a non-derogable human right, requires effective national and international protection mechanisms. The statement underscored that, as a peremptory (jus cogens) norm, fulfilment of the obligation of prohibition against torture necessitated investigation and punishment measures where warranted. In this regard, #Azerbaijan's measures to investigate and prosecute serious offences committed during the former conflict, particularly those involving torture and inhuman or degrading treatment of civilians and other protected persons, were mentioned.

During the general discussion of item 22 (b) at the UN General Assembly’s Second Committee, Azerbaijan underscored the importance of international partnerships in promoting solidarity, mutual benefit and sustainable development, as well as accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Azerbaijan highlighted the role of the Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA) in facilitating development assistance, knowledge exchange and capacity-building, with more than 140 countries having received assistance from Azerbaijan. The statement also emphasized Azerbaijan’s role as a bridge-builder between the Global South and the Global North, fostering dialogue, strengthening cooperation across regions and advancing shared development priorities.

During the interactive dialogue with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights at the #3C of the #UNGA, #Azerbaijan shared its firm conviction that all human rights, including civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, as well as the right to development, are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. It was highlighted that the recovery efforts of #Azerbaijan in the post-conflict period are seriously hampered by the widespread presence of landmines and other explosive devices, killing and injuring civilians. The statement also stressed that the issue of over 4000 persons registered as missing due to the former conflict remained an outstanding humanitarian problem. #Azerbaijan called on the #UN human rights mechanisms and the #OHCHR to keep these grave human rights concerns, which affect thousands of people, high on the agenda, to raise them appropriately with the relevant authorities, and to urge meaningful cooperation.

During the general discussion of item 21 (c) at the UN General Assembly’s Second Committee, Azerbaijan underscored the importance of women’s economic empowerment, equal opportunities and women’s full participation in sustainable development. Azerbaijan highlighted its National Action Plan on Gender Equality for 2026–2028 and recent labour market reforms expanding women’s access to employment. The statement also emphasized efforts to close the gender pay gap, promote women’s entrepreneurship, enhance women’s digital skills and access to emerging economic opportunities, and ensure the meaningful participation of women and girls in post-conflict recovery and reconstruction.

During the #UNGA81 #FirstCommittee General Debate, #Azerbaijan reaffirmed its firm commitment to the full and faithful implementation arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament obligations. Particular attention was drawn to the enduring humanitarian consequences of the #landmine threat in Azerbaijan. More than 400 Azerbaijani citizens, including women and children, have been killed or injured in mine incidents since 2020, while the total number of victims over the past three decades has exceeded 3,500. These figures underscore the urgent need for sustained international support for #mineclearance and #victimassistance, as well as for strengthening national mine-action capacities.

During the general discussion of item 17 at the UN General Assembly’s Second Committee, Azerbaijan highlighted the major outcomes of COP29 and the recent hosting of UNFCCC Climate Week in Baku to advance climate action. Azerbaijan underscored its contribution to regional energy security and its growing role in the clean energy transition through renewable energy projects, green-energy zones in the Garabagh and East Zangezur economic regions and plans to expand green electricity exports to European markets. The statement also emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to remaining a reliable energy partner, strengthening energy connectivity between regions, markets and economies, while advancing sustainable development and the achievement of the SDGs for all.

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, Amb. Tofig F. Musayev, received H.E. Mr. Jihoon Cha, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, and Professor Jin-Hyun Paik, former Judge and President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and the Republic of Korea’s candidate for election to the International Court of Justice.

During the general discussion of item 18 at the UN General Assembly’s Second Committee, Azerbaijan underscored the importance of advancing SDG 11 and accelerating implementation of the New Urban Agenda. Azerbaijan drew attention to the outcomes of WUF13 in Baku, including the Baku Call to Action, which calls for an urgent and concerted response to the global housing crisis and accelerated implementation of the New Urban Agenda through 2036. Azerbaijan also highlighted the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Urban Planning and Architecture, reflecting its continued commitment to modern, sustainable and people-centred urban development, including in the context of the Great Return to the territories liberated from occupation.

During the general discussion of item 19 at the UN General Assembly’s Second Committee, Azerbaijan underscored the need for effective, inclusive and results-oriented multilateralism, with the UN at its centre, ensuring equal opportunities for all States, large and small, to participate in global decision-making and shape the international development agenda. As Co-Chair of the GCM Champion Countries Initiative for 2026, Azerbaijan reaffirmed its commitment to advancing safe, orderly and regular migration as a catalyst for sustainable development. Azerbaijan also highlighted its latest National Voluntary Report on the implementation of the Global Compact, which outlines national progress and efforts to advance its objectives.

At the Sixth Committee, during the consideration of the agenda item on “The rule of law at the national and international levels”, Azerbaijan underlined that, in order to achieve the goals of the rule of law, it is critical to uphold fundamental principles, adhere to the uniform application of international law, and ensure strict compliance with international obligations. It was also highlighted that Azerbaijan remains fully committed to promoting the rule of law and to building, strengthening, and sustaining peace and stability both regionally and globally. Full statement ⬇️

During the general discussion under agenda item 59 (“Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions”) at the #3C of the #UNGA, #Azerbaijan stressed that collective commitment is essential to addressing displacement, particularly through the pursuit of durable solutions. The statement highlighted that Azerbaijan had hosted one of the world’s largest per capita populations of refugees and internally displaced persons as a result of the former conflict, and noted that ongoing post-conflict recovery efforts have already enabled 96,000 people to return and resettle in the territories liberated from occupation.