Baku, Azerbaijan: The Western Azerbaijan Community (WAC) is leading efforts to address the historical injustices faced by Azerbaijanis displaced from their ancestral lands in present-day Armenia. Representing a community deeply affected by two centuries of ethnic cleansing and forced displacement, the WAC aims to secure a safe and dignified return for these individuals in line with international human rights laws.
Historical Context and Mission:
Founded in 1989 as the successor to the Azerbaijan Refugee Society, the WAC remains dedicated to restoring the rights of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia. During the 20th century, thousands of Azerbaijani families were uprooted amid widespread violence and discrimination.
Legal Foundations and Global Advocacy:
The WAC’s efforts are grounded in international laws such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These laws support the rights of displaced communities. The organization focuses on ensuring a voluntary, safe, and dignified return while protecting displaced persons’ rights.
Ambassador Ramil Hasan, Vice President of the WAC since 2022, has been pivotal in raising global awareness. With a strong diplomatic background, Hasan has represented the cause at platforms including the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States and the Organization of Turkic States. His work highlights the importance of justice and multilateral cooperation.
International Community’s Role and Peacebuilding:
The WAC calls for international support to establish a legally binding framework guaranteeing the right of return for displaced Azerbaijanis. This framework should include verification mechanisms to ensure transparency and respect. Furthermore, programs for reconstructing destroyed Azerbaijani settlements and fostering reconciliation between Armenian and Azerbaijani communities are vital.
Regional alliances, especially among Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, are expected to bolster WAC’s advocacy. These partnerships seek to bring international attention to the plight of Western Azerbaijanis and promote legal protections and lasting peace.
A Vision for Justice and Reconciliation:
The Western Azerbaijan Community symbolizes resilience and the pursuit of justice for displaced Azerbaijanis. With global diplomatic and humanitarian support, the WAC envisions a dignified return that will contribute to regional peace and reconciliation.
