International Day of the Disappeared marked worldwide

Today, the world observes the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, also known as the International Day of the Disappeared, commemorated annually on August 30.

According to Report, the day is dedicated to remembering the hundreds of thousands of people who have gone missing as a result of armed conflicts, violence, migration, and natural disasters.

Despite the end of the Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict, more than 3,000 Azerbaijani citizens captured or taken hostage by Armenia during the hostilities remain unaccounted for. Armenia grossly violated international law, including international humanitarian norms. Many hostages were subjected to severe torture, with numerous victims dying under inhumane conditions. Their bodies have yet to be returned to Azerbaijan.

International law obliges every state to investigate such crimes, prosecute those responsible, prevent future violations, and ensure the rights of victims" families.

Azerbaijan continues efforts to clarify the fate of its missing citizens and protect the rights of their families, in line with both international and national law. The State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages, and Missing Persons oversees the repatriation of captives, searches for the missing, coordinates government and civil society efforts, and systematizes information related to prisoners of war and hostages.

On the international stage, Azerbaijan actively works to raise awareness of the issue. Every two years, at Azerbaijan's initiative, the UN General Assembly adopts a resolution on missing persons. Azerbaijan also spearheaded the resolution of the UN Commission on the status of women on the release of women and children taken hostage during armed conflicts.