'Restoring peace is of essence for ensuring human rights of Azerbaijani IDPs'

Restoration of peace is of essence for ensuring the human rights of the Azerbaijani IDPs, UN Secretary General's representative on human rights of IDPs Walter Kalin told Azerbaijan`s Deputy Premier, Ali Hasanov.

Kalin said the IDP's problem had not been resolved as “the reason standing behind this has not yet been removed”.

“Unfortunately, the number of IDPs is still big because the conflict has not yet been resolved and twenty percent of the Azerbaijani territory is still under occupation,” Kalin stressed.

He hailed the Azerbaijani governemt's work to improve the living conditions and solve social problems of IDPs. Kalin praised the Azerbaijani government`s keeping the problems of IDP's the number of one national priority.

He also praised Azerbaijan's overall development, saying he witnessed great achievements since his last visit here 3 years ago. He, in particular, emphasized the construction of settlements, schools and medical facilities.

“The 18-years long problem has had its negative impact on several generations, and despite the govenrmnet's efforts people still continue to suffer hardship.”

Kalin vowed that “like in my previous visit I will highlight the necessity of implementing the four UN Security Council resolutions in my report”. The representative of the UN Secretary General called on the international community to provide technical assistance to the Azerbaijani government in improving the living conditions of IDPs.


/AzerTAc/