UNICEF to begin phased shutdown of operations in Azerbaijan

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) will begin winding down its operations in Azerbaijan starting September 3, 2025.

"UNICEF’s operational presence in Azerbaijan will be phased out on 3 September 2025. UNICEF will continue to engage with partners in Azerbaijan through its regional office and headquarters," Iryna Mazur, Regional Communications Chief for UNICEF in Europe and Central Asia, told Report in response to an inquiry, Caliber.Az cites. 

The announcement comes as Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan, Sajja Faruq Abdulla, earlier on July 29 to mark the conclusion of her diplomatic mission in the country.

On March 3, during a meeting with UN Coordination Office for Europe and Central Asia Regional Director Gwi-Yeop Son, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated that further partnership with certain UN structures would continue through "a project-based cooperation mechanism in line with national priorities."

It was also emphasised that future cooperation with some UN agencies would be carried out directly through their headquarters.

By Sabina Mammadli