Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad

The Western Azerbaijan Community (WAC) stands as a beacon for justice, striving to reverse the historical injustices committed against the Azerbaijani population by present-day Armenia. Over the past two centuries, Azerbaijanis have been subjected to ethnic cleansing, displacement, and genocide at the hands of Armenian forces, leaving deep scars on their communities. The primary aim of the WAC is to ensure the safe and dignified return of expelled Azerbaijanis to their homeland, in accordance with international human rights laws. As a legal successor to the “Azerbaijan Refugee Society,” established in 1989, the WAC carries the legacy of fighting for the rights of displaced Azerbaijanis.

The Azerbaijani population in the region now known as Armenia has faced systematic discrimination and violence for over two centuries. The forced expulsion of Azerbaijanis, particularly during the 20th century, resulted in the displacement of thousands of families from their ancestral lands.

The WAC seeks to right these historical wrongs by advocating for the return of Azerbaijanis to their homeland under the protection of international laws, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. The WAC’s mission goes beyond mere rhetoric. Its primary goal is to create conditions for the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Azerbaijanis to the lands from which they were expelled. This includes ensuring their individual and collective rights, while rejecting the consequences of the injustices committed against them. In the face of such adversity, the community has emerged as a legitimate voice for the displaced Azerbaijanis, working tirelessly to advocate for their right to return and rebuild their lives in their homeland.

The Torch Bearer of Hope: Ambassador Ramil Hasan

A key figure in the advocacy efforts of the Western Azerbaijan Community is Ambassador Ramil Hasan. With an extensive background in diplomacy, international relations, and public service, Hasan has played a pivotal role in bringing the plight of Western Azerbaijanis to the global stage. His educational background, which includes a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Baku State University, combined with his professional experience, makes him uniquely positioned to lead these efforts.

Hasan’s career spans several critical roles. From his time as Deputy Chairman of the Garadagh Municipality and his involvement with the New Azerbaijan Party, to his position as Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA) and Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Hasan has consistently used his platforms to advocate for Azerbaijani interests. His international diplomatic achievements, including his recognition by the Crans Montana Forum and his participation in the Sport Integrity Global Alliance, further solidify his stature as a leader in promoting justice and multilateral cooperation.

Since his election as Vice President of the Western Azerbaijan Community in 2022, Hasan has focused on addressing the long-standing grievances of displaced Azerbaijanis and ensuring their rights are recognized. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping the international dialogue around the issue, garnering support from both regional and global players.

What are expectations from International Community?

The WAC’s demands for justice are not just rooted in moral and historical grievances; they are grounded in international legal frameworks. The role of the international community is crucial in ensuring that Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia can return to their homeland under secure and dignified conditions. Several key actions are necessary for achieving this goal.

The international community should work toward obtaining a legally binding agreement that guarantees the voluntary return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia. Such an agreement must include verification mechanisms to ensure that the return process is transparent, secure, and respectful of the returnees’ rights. Sustainable peace cannot be achieved without proper rehabilitation and reintegration programs. International supervision is necessary to oversee the reconstruction of destroyed Azerbaijani settlements and to facilitate reconciliation efforts in the region. The international community must not only focus on immediate humanitarian concerns but also address the underlying causes of the conflict. Diplomatic efforts must be intensified to facilitate dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, focusing on long-term peacebuilding initiatives. The alliance between Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, for instance, can play a crucial role for the advocacy rights of displaced Azerbaijanis on the global stage.

The international community’s involvement is essential for securing the necessary legal, political, and financial frameworks. The issue of Azerbaijanis’ expulsion must be brought to the forefront of international discussions, with the aim of achieving legally binding agreements that protect the rights of returnees and promote lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Western Azerbaijan Community continues to fight for justice for the Azerbaijani people displaced from their ancestral lands. The international community has a moral and legal obligation to support this cause by ensuring the right to return is upheld, providing humanitarian assistance, and working toward reconciliation between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The path to justice may be long, but with sustained international advocacy and cooperation, the WAC’s vision of a dignified return for displaced Azerbaijanis can become a reality.