No:047/26, Press release on the visit of Deputy Minister Elnur Mammadov to Geneva
25 February 2026 09:32
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Elnur Mammadov, paid a visit to Geneva on 23–25 February 2026 to participate in the High-Level Segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
During the visit, the Deputy Minister delivered a statement at the High-Level Segment of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council and held a number of high-level bilateral meetings.
In his statement, the Deputy Minister addressed the current state of the Azerbaijan–Armenia normalization process in the post-conflict period, as well as issues arising from the Washington agreement between the two countries, including the prospective contribution of the Zangezur Corridor to regional development.
He also provided information on measures undertaken by Azerbaijan to address the humanitarian consequences of the former conflict, including efforts to clarify the fate of missing persons, combat the landmine threat, and implement the “Great Return” program aimed at ensuring the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons.
It was noted that extensive landmine contamination continues to pose a serious obstacle to the full realization of human rights and that strengthening international cooperation in this field remains essential.
In his remarks, the Deputy Minister emphasized that the trials of individuals accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity were conducted in accordance with international law and national legislation, and that the decisions rendered have restored justice.
The opinion of the UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, published on March 13, 2025, rejecting the claims of the Armenian side regarding the Ruben Vardanyan case, reiterated that the legal procedures carried out by Azerbaijan were in line with international standards.
It was also emphasized that Azerbaijan's role as an international dialogue platform is increasing, and that the COP29 event held in Azerbaijan has made a significant contribution to accelerating climate action, and that this year Baku will host the 82nd session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum, and the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue.
