New York:Participants of the 'Right of Return and Decolonization Restoration of Delayed Historical Justice' conference have issued a joint appeal to United Nations Special Rapporteurs.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the appeal was made during the conference held at the United Nations Headquarters on September 28. It emphasized principles of equal rights, self-determination, and respect for human rights. The participants reaffirmed the right of all peoples to determine their political status and pursue development in line with international law, highlighting the need for safe and dignified return to ancestral lands and protection of cultural heritage.

The appeal expressed concern over inconsistent applications of return and decolonization principles, stressing the importance of peaceful, inclusive, and rights-based solutions. It included calls for the promotion of voluntary return for communities affected in regions such as Western Azerbaijan, Bonaire, Aruba, Sint Maarten, and among Sikh, Congolese, Burundian, and Rwandan communities.

The conference also urged the establishment of mechanisms for restitution of property or compensation and highlighted the importance of preserving civil registries and other documentation necessary for establishing residence and ownership. The protection of cultural heritage in areas like Azerbaijan in Armenia and Bonaire, Aruba, and Sint Maarten was also emphasized.

Furthermore, the participants encouraged consultation with affected communities and called for impartial monitoring of return conditions, including security and access to public services. They advocated for enhanced cooperation among UN bodies to address right of return and decolonization issues and invited increased attention to these matters in UN reports and engagements.