New york: Azerbaijan's Permanent Mission to the United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region, coinciding with the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly Genocide. The statement highlighted Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to inform the international community about the war crimes and serious offences encountered during the occupation of its territories since the early 1990s.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the statement by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the grave human toll of the tragedy in Khojaly, where 613 civilians were killed, including 106 women, 63 children, and 70 elderly individuals, while 487 were wounded, 1,275 taken hostage, and 150 went missing. This atrocity, labeled as a crime against humanity, has garnered international condemnation.

The statement underscored the obligation of states to punish serious crimes, referencing the 1949 Geneva Conventions, the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and other international instruments. Azerbaijan has undertaken measures to investigate and prosecute those responsible for crimes during the conflict, with recent judgments being rendered by national courts.

Despite these efforts, many perpetrators remain at large, finding refuge in other countries and escaping justice, a situation exacerbated by denial and ignorance of the crimes by some organizations and individuals. Azerbaijan remains steadfast in its pursuit of accountability, viewing it as essential to reconciliation and preventing future atrocities.

The nation continues to advocate for justice and commits to building, strengthening, and sustaining peace and stability in the region, as outlined in their statement.