An event dedicated to World Refugee Day held

On June 19, 2023, in Baku, Azerbaijan, an event dedicated to World Refugee Day was held in collaboration between the State Migration Service and the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, along with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The event took place at the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall named after M. Magomayev. Members of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, representatives of ministries, committees, and other central executive authorities, diplomatic missions accredited to Azerbaijan, UN agencies, international and local humanitarian and development organizations, private companies, as well as representatives of refugee and IDP communities, attended the event.

During the event, the importance of observing World Refugee Day was emphasized, and the necessity for refugees not to be isolated in their host countries was highlighted. Bik Lum, the UNHCR Representative in Azerbaijan, expressed gratitude to the participants for demonstrating solidarity with millions of displaced people who have been affected by war, violence, and persecution.

Speaking at the event, Vusal Huseynov, the Chief of State Migration Service, stated in his speech that an effective national asylum system, compliant with international standards, has been established in Azerbaijan and our country is active on the international level regarding asylum and refugee issues. Vusal Huseynov also noted that Azerbaijan is among the countries that initially supported the Global Compact on Refugees, adopted on the basis of the relevant resolution of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.Highlighting Azerbaijan as a country which sets an example of coexistence and shared living he drew attention to the active participation of the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the first Global Refugee Forum and its preparations for the second Global Refugee Forum.

Vladanka Andreeva, the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, also delivered a speech at the event.

The participants were also informed about the results of drawing competition, the "Our Desired Future: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the eyes of children", held within the framework of the World Refugee Day campaign. It was noted that opportunities have been created in Azerbaijan to enhance the knowledge and skills of refugee children in collaboration with their local peers.

The event concluded with a concert program by the Azerbaijan State Orchestra of Folk Instruments.