We, Western Azerbaijanis, have endured the profound pain of displacement and the severance of our ties to our ancestral lands in what is now Armenia. Our community was forcibly expelled in a series of deportations throughout the 20th century. The final wave, from 1987 to 1991, uprooted over 300 000 of us from our homes, leaving no single Azerbaijani in Armenia.
We use the terms “Western Azerbaijan” and “Western Azerbaijanis” as an expression of self-identification, which is a fundamental human right. Use of these terms has no territorial connotation in a political sense.
(Photo: Azerbaijani children expelled from Armenia during 1987-1991 deportations)
What we seek is simple but profoundly significant: the safe, voluntary, and dignified return to our ancestral lands. This is not merely a moral appeal but a demand rooted in international law. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and other legal instruments recognize our right to return. Our goal is not to create division but to restore justice through a peaceful process supported by a legally binding international framework. We are committed to coexistence and reconciliation, and our fight for our right to return is a testament to our resolve to rebuild bridges and live in harmony with others.
We have developed and published the Concept of Return, grounded in international law and aligned with the relevant UNHCR manuals on repatriation. This document was circulated as an official document of the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly, demonstrating our confidence that our cause fully aligns with international legal principles. Moreover, it reflects our readiness for dialogue and our unwavering commitment to upholding international law.
We urge the international community to support our pursuit of justice, recognizing that the acknowledgment and restoration of our rights are essential for long-term peace and stability in the region. Only through justice can reconciliation take place, paving the way for a future where our people can once again call their homeland home and where our rights are respected.
We, the expelled Azerbaijanis from Armenia, eagerly await the day we can return to our homes in safety and with dignity, restoring the once vibrant multiethnic and multicultural landscape in our homeland.
Ms. Ulviyya Zulfikar is the Spokesperson of the Western Azerbaijan Community.
