Families of missing in First Karabakh War appeal to UN, Red Cross Seeking justice and truth

A group representing families of those missing from the First Karabakh War recently toured Aghdam, Khojaly, Khankendi, and Shusha, reiterating their call for justice and information about their loved ones.

The "Qarabağ İtkin Ailələri" (Karabakh Missing Families) public association organised the visit, which included 40 family members, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Throughout the visit, the group appealed to international organisations via media, urging the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the global community to provide details on the missing.

The group emphasized their desire to know the burial sites of missing family members so they may eventually pay respects.

Konul Behbudova, Chairperson of the association representing approximately 4,000 members, stated that families remain committed to uncovering the truth about their missing relatives. 

She expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s government efforts while demanding that international bodies take further steps to reveal the fate of the missing individuals. Behbudova also called for accountability, asserting that Armenia has breached human rights conventions, and should face the International Court of Justice for its inaction.

Family members stressed that the unresolved cases of the missing have persisted for over three decades, and called upon Armenia to disclose information and uphold international human rights standards. They reiterated their commitment to continue searching for their loved ones until the truth is uncovered.

In continuation of the tour, group visited the alleys of martyrs in Aghdam and Khojaly to pay tribute and stopped at Victory Square in Khankendi, where they renewed their calls for justice.

Family members expressed frustration at the lack of significant progress from international entities in addressing this long-standing issue.

Meanwhile, in the 1990s, around 20% of Azerbaijan's internationally recognised territory was occupied by Armenian armed forces during the first Karabakh War.

This conflict led to the disappearance of nearly 4,000 Azerbaijani citizens. In addition to military personnel, more than 700 civilians—including children, women, and the elderly—were reported missing as a result of this aggression.

Of the total number of individuals unaccounted for, 872 have been confirmed to have been captured or to have remained in the occupied regions, based on eyewitness testimony.

By Aghakazim Guliyev