BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 18. Azerbaijan expressed
concern regarding persistent human rights challenges within the
European Union, including racism and discrimination affecting
ethnic and religious minorities, the growth of Islamophobia, and
increasing social intolerance.


This was stated in a statement by the Permanent Mission of
Azerbaijan to the UN Office and other International Organizations
in Geneva, voiced during the Interactive Dialogue on the High
Commissioner’s Annual Report at the 62nd session of the UN Human
Rights Council.


"I would like to thank the High Commissioner for his
comprehensive report. Indeed, the report has been developed during
the difficult times of liquidity and financial constraint across
the entire UN system even further complicated by global turbulent
and unpredictable geopolitical environment.


Azerbaijan believes that the protection and promotion of human
rights, including the right to development and economic, social and
cultural rights, remain at the core of democracy, peace and
prosperity.


It is great fortune that the South Caucasus has got now a
historical chance to become a place of non-confrontation and
co-operation. And the benefit of that is already there. Azerbaijan
has opened and offered new economic, trade and transit perspectives
not only to the countries in close proximity, but also far beyond
the region.


One of the main priorities of the Government is reconstruction
and rehabilitation activities alongside the return of numerous IDPs
to their homes. The right to return and the right to decent life
are essential human rights. An obstacle to realization of these
rights, as well as to the identification of thousands of missing
persons, is the abundance of landmines and explosive ordnance
across vast areas. We call on the international community not to
remain indifferent and act in solidarity.


We express concern regarding persistent human rights challenges
within the European Union, including racism and discrimination
affecting ethnic and religious minorities, the growth of
Islamophobia, and increasing social intolerance. We remain
concerned by reports of unequal treatment of migrants and asylum
seekers, barriers to integration, and practices that raise
questions regarding dignity, protection, and equal access to
rights. Human rights should be promoted consistently and without
selectivity, and meaningful international cooperation must be based
on mutual respect, objectivity, and equal standards.


We thank the Independent Expert for her comprehensive report and
welcome its emphasis on peace, inclusion and peaceful dispute
resolution as essential elements of international solidarity.


We share the view that sustainable peace requires trust,
dialogue and respect for human dignity. In this regard, Azerbaijan
remains committed to advancing post-conflict recovery through
measures that support reconciliation and social cohesion.


As reflected in the report, the Government of Azerbaijan
attaches particular importance to restoring cultural and religious
heritage in the formerly occupied territories. We believe that
preserving cultural heritage and rebuilding understanding between
communities are important contributions to sustainable peace.


We also underscore the importance of the right to truth as an
essential element of healing and reconciliation. Efforts to
identify missing persons and ensure accountability remain important
for affected families and for building confidence in a peaceful
future. Alongside the safe and dignified return of IDPs, these
efforts seek to create conditions conducive to long-term stability,
coexistence and development.


Azerbaijan remains committed to international cooperation and to
promoting peace, dialogue and mutual respect in line with the
principles of equality and non-discrimination," the statement
said.