New York hosts international conference on right of return and decolonization
New York, September 28, AZERTAC
An international conference titled “The Right of Return and Decolonization: Restoration of Delayed Historical Justice” was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, on September 28.
The event was organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
In his remarks, Elgun Hajiyev, Head of Communication and Data Analytics Department of BIG, said that the right of Western Azerbaijanis to return to their former places of residence merits consideration by relevant UN bodies and international mechanisms.
“Any return process should comply with applicable international law and human rights standards, including voluntariness, safety, dignity and non-discrimination, as well as appropriate mechanisms for restitution or compensation and the protection of cultural and religious heritage,” he noted.
According to him, the right to return is a fundamental human right.
“Returning to one’s homeland is not merely about physical return; it means restoring identity, dignity, historical memory and cultural continuity,” Hajiyev mentioned.
“Protecting cultural heritage and addressing outstanding rights through legal mechanisms, dialogue and confidence-building measures can contribute to reconciliation and lasting peace,” he emphasized.
The conference also featured two panel sessions on “Right of Return in the Context of Decolonization and International Law" and "From Forced Displacement to Homeland - Identity, Historical Memory and the Right of Return."
Subsequently, the participants issued a joint appeal to the United Nations Special Rapporteurs.
In their appeal, the participants called for the continued promotion of safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return as an essential component of durable peace, including for those affected in Western Azerbaijan, Bonaire, Aruba and Sint Maarten, as well as members of Sikh, Congolese, Burundian and Rwandan communities;
They emphasized the importance of preserving and ensuring access to civil registries, property records, archives and other documentation necessary to establish residence, ownership, inheritance and family links, particularly for communities whose historical ties to their lands and territories remain affected by colonial rule or other historical injustices.
The participants also called for effective guarantees for the protection and preservation of the cultural, religious and historical heritage of Azerbaijan in the territory of Armenia, as well as the heritage of Bonaire, Aruba and Sint Maarten, as well as Sikh, Congolese, Burundian, Rwandan communities.
The event concluded with a peaceful public demonstration.
The participants held posters reading, “Justice begins with the Right to Return”, “End Colonialism. Restore historical justice”, “Self-determination is the path to decolonization.”
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