Azerbaijan bids farewell to UNHCR: A 33-year partnership comes to end

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has received an official notification from the Government of Azerbaijan and is concluding its operations in the country, Matthew Saltmarsh, a representative of UNHCR, told APA.

He noted that the UN system highly values its 33-year partnership with the government and people of Azerbaijan and, during this period, has supported the promotion of key development priorities in the country, Caliber.Az reports.

"UNHCR is committed to ensuring a responsible conclusion of its operations through consultations with all partners and donors," he underlined.

Saltmarsh said the UN, as in all member states, continues active dialogue with the Government of Azerbaijan to align the agency's activities with the national development priorities of the country and to assist in implementing the Sustainable Development Agenda for the period up to 2030.

Notably, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been operating in Azerbaijan since 1992, collaborating with the government to find durable solutions for refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless individuals. Their efforts focus on legal protection, advocacy, and support services to ensure the rights and well-being of displaced populations.

UNHCR's role in Azerbaijan includes supporting the government in improving the refugee status determination process and advocating for legislative amendments to align with international standards on refugee and stateless matters.

By Khagan Isayev