by: Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad:
Baku, Azerbaijan — The Western Azerbaijan Community (WAC) is at the forefront of efforts to address the historical injustices faced by Azerbaijanis displaced from their ancestral lands in present-day Armenia. Representing a community deeply scarred by two centuries of ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and genocide, the WAC’s mission is to ensure a safe and dignified return of these displaced Azerbaijanis in alignment with international human rights laws.
Founded in 1989 as the successor to the Azerbaijan Refugee Society, the WAC remains committed to restoring the rights of Azerbaijanis who were systematically expelled from Armenia. The 20th century alone saw thousands of Azerbaijani families uprooted, their communities facing violence and discrimination on a large scale.
Legal Foundations and Global Advocacy for a Rightful Return
The WAC’s advocacy is grounded in international law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which collectively support the rights of displaced communities. The organization’s objectives extend beyond mere recognition of these injustices, focusing on the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Azerbaijanis to their homeland while safeguarding their rights.
Ambassador Ramil Hasan, a leading figure in the WAC and Vice President since 2022, has been instrumental in raising awareness of these issues globally. With an extensive background in diplomacy, international relations, and public service, Hasan has championed the cause of Western Azerbaijanis on numerous international platforms. His roles with organizations such as the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA) and the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), as well as accolades from institutions like the Crans Montana Forum, underscore his dedication to justice and multilateral cooperation.
International Community’s Role: Legal Guarantees and Peacebuilding Initiatives: The WAC calls upon the international community to support a comprehensive, legally binding framework that would guarantee the right of return for displaced Azerbaijanis. Such an agreement would include verification mechanisms to ensure a transparent and respectful process, paving the way for sustainable peace and rehabilitation. Essential to this process are programs for the reconstruction of destroyed Azerbaijani settlements and initiatives promoting reconciliation between Armenian and Azerbaijani communities.
Regional alliances, particularly the partnerships among Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, can play a key role in supporting the WAC’s advocacy efforts on the global stage. By bringing the plight of Western Azerbaijanis to the forefront of international discourse, these alliances aim to secure legal protections for the returnees and foster lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
A Call for Global Support: The Western Azerbaijan Community stands as a symbol of resilience, striving for justice and the restoration of rights for the Azerbaijani people displaced from their ancestral lands. With the involvement of the international community, including diplomatic and humanitarian support, the WAC’s vision of a dignified return for displaced Azerbaijanis could become a reality, contributing to peace and reconciliation in the region.
