Saifullah Ansar
Forced displacement has become one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time. Today, more than 120 million people worldwide are struggling with the consequences of being uprooted from their homes. Finding an effective solution to this crisis is impossible without the united efforts of the international community. Within this global context, Azerbaijan’s experience offers both lessons and hope.
The Azerbaijani nation has endured displacement for over a century. Azerbaijanis living in Western Azerbaijan territories now part of present-day Armenia were subjected to systematic ethnic cleansing and forced expulsions. Waves of deportations in 1918–1921, 1948–1953, and 1987–1991 drove hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis from their ancestral lands. As a result, Armenia became a mono-ethnic state, erasing centuries of Azerbaijani presence and cultural heritage.
Armenia’s actions extended beyond displacement. Historical sites, mosques, graveyards, and settlements were destroyed, including damage to the Art of Azerbaijani Ashiq, recognized by UNESCO as part of humanity’s cultural heritage. Only the Blue Mosque in Yerevan survived, though even this monument has been subjected to attempts at distortion and rebranding.
Despite these injustices, Azerbaijan never abandoned its pursuit of truth. The Patriotic War of 2020, culminating in Azerbaijan’s victory, opened the door for displaced citizens from Garabagh and East Zangezur to return home. This triumph was not only a military success but also a reaffirmation of international law. The ongoing State Program on the Great Return is steadily restoring life in liberated territories, symbolizing resilience and renewal.
Azerbaijan’s strength lies not only in its victories but also in its inclusive vision for society. The country treats all its citizens equally, ensuring that minorities living in Azerbaijan are well cared for and enjoy full rights. This commitment to diversity and equality demonstrates Azerbaijan’s dedication to building a peaceful and just society, setting an example for nations grappling with displacement and ethnic divisions.
The Western Azerbaijan Community advocates for the peaceful, safe, and dignified return of Azerbaijanis to their ancestral lands. This is not a territorial issue but a human rights matter, enshrined in international law. Armenia’s refusal to engage in dialogue and its rejection of UNESCO fact-finding missions only deepen mistrust. Genuine peace requires Armenia to recognize these rights and cooperate in restoring cultural heritage.
The international community must support Azerbaijan’s initiatives, particularly the Concept of Return, which emphasizes peaceful reintegration. Conferences dedicated to safeguarding the rights of displaced Western Azerbaijanis are vital platforms for dialogue, truth-telling, and global cooperation. By amplifying these voices, the world can move closer to resolving the broader crisis of displacement.
