Baku: An international conference titled "Modern Approaches and Strengthening Cooperation in Resolving the Issue of Missing Persons" was held in Baku within the framework of cooperation with the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), APA reports. The conference, moderated by Gazanfar Ahmadov, Secretary of the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons and Head of its Working Group, began with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan and a one-minute silence in memory of the martyrs.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Deputy Chief of the State Security Service Sharafat Hasanov announced that, as of June 30, 2026, a total of 4,010 people are registered by the State Commission as missing due to Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan, and presented the latest statistics. Lieutenant General Sharafat Hasanov emphasized Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to draw international attention to the issue of missing persons.
Hasanov revealed that ICMP Director-General Kathryne Bomberger, in a letter addressed to the State Commission in November 2025, informed that the Azerbaijani-language integrated version of the organization's Information Management System would be provided to the State Commission, along with a roadmap for its initial implementation. The Information Data Management System (IDMS) is designed to consolidate all existing databases related to missing persons onto a single platform, allowing relevant state institutions to enter and process information in real time.
This system aims to make information more readily available and facilitate efficient decision-making. Additionally, it will allow citizens of Azerbaijan and Armenia to confidentially provide information about missing persons, including burial sites, for humanitarian purposes, without bearing any responsibility.
Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov highlighted Azerbaijan's international efforts, stating that the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons, initiated by Azerbaijan, has become a crucial platform for raising awareness of this humanitarian issue. He announced that the next conference within the framework of the Baku Dialogue will take place on October 7-10 this year.
ICMP Director-General Kathryne Bomberger commended Azerbaijan's role in fostering peace in the region, noting the importance of the database to be established between Azerbaijan and Armenia for cooperation. She also discussed potential for further collaboration with Azerbaijan in this field.
The conference included speeches from Head of the Military Medical Department of the State Security Service, Medical Service Major General Rufat Aliyev, and Director of the Ministry of Health's Forensic Medical Examination and Pathological Anatomy Union Adalat Hasanov. Members of the Milli Majlis, Arzu Naghiyev and Zahid Oruj, proposed enhancing the status of the State Commission's Working Group, improving its resources, and enhancing staff welfare and healthcare.
MP Rizvan Nabiyev shared international experiences in this area, and the event continued with discussions, featuring participation from officials of the State Security Service, foreign representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, and parliament members.