Baku: The final statement of the international conference on “Addressing the Problem of Missing Persons: Upholding the Right to Know for the Families,” hosted by The State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons of The Republic of Azerbaijan on October 2-3, 2024, in Baku, has been officially distributed to the UN General Assembly and UN Security Council, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, participants of the international conference called for action by referring to the Conventions for the Protection of War Victims and relevant UN documents and resolutions. They highlighted the international legal obligations of states under International Humanitarian Law, urging parties to armed conflicts to take all feasible measures to search for missing persons and provide any information regarding their fate.

The document further urges international organizations to play a role in determining the fate of missing persons and supports the creation of a special mechanism to address thi
s issue during armed conflicts. A significant outcome of the conference was the proposal for an Annual Baku Dialogue, which aims to facilitate ongoing discussions on the issue of missing persons. This proposal reflects the international community’s high regard for Azerbaijan’s efforts in tackling this humanitarian challenge.

The State Commission of Azerbaijan has reiterated its commitment to actively engaging on the international stage to locate and return missing individuals and to draw global attention to this urgent matter. The document emphasizes the importance of international collaboration, reminding states of their obligations to search for missing persons and provide information about their whereabouts.

The conference’s outcomes underscore the call for international organizations to assist in resolving the issue and encourage the establishment of mechanisms to handle cases of missing persons during armed conflicts. The proposal for an Annual Baku Dialogue demonstrates the appreciation of the interna
tional community for Azerbaijan’s initiatives in addressing this critical problem.

The State Commission will persist in its efforts to elevate the issue of missing persons at the international level, aiming to foster cooperation and find solutions for affected families worldwide.