Baku: An international conference titled "The Right of Return and Self-Determination: Double Standards and Selective Approaches" was held on June 24 at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The event was organized by the Baku Initiative Group.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the conference is viewed as a significant contribution toward the recognition by the international community of the ethnic cleansing of Azerbaijanis by Armenia. It gathered experts in refugee rights and national minority protection, human rights advocates, international law specialists, civil society representatives, and Azerbaijani compatriots of Western Azerbaijani origin.

The conference highlighted the necessity of safeguarding the fundamental rights of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis forcibly expelled from their historical lands within Armenia due to a deliberate policy of ethnic cleansing. Participants stressed the importance of ensuring that international organizations prioritize the right of these individuals to a safe, voluntary, and dignified return to their native homelands.

Attendees demanded a formal legal assessment under international law concerning the systematic destruction, desecration, and appropriation of the cultural, religious, and historical heritage of Azerbaijanis remaining in Armenia. They urged international organizations to conduct on-site investigations and document these violations.

Representatives from Armenian media outlets in the United States, including those from the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), attended the event. No incidents were reported during the proceedings.

During the conference, Western Azerbaijani compatriots residing in the United States shared personal stories and refugee experiences, shedding light on the humanitarian tragedy faced by Azerbaijanis forcibly expelled from Armenia.

At the event's conclusion, participants adopted an appeal addressed to U.S. Congress members. The message underscored the necessity for the consistent, fair, and non-discriminatory implementation of the right of return and self-determination, in line with established international law norms and principles.