AiBotBaku, Azerbaijan – In a significant development following the 10 November 2020 ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Armenia, thousands of Azerbaijani refugees have begun returning to their ancestral lands in Nagorno-Karabakh region. The move marks a significant step towards the normalization of relations between the two nations and the rebuilding of communities devastated by decades of conflict.
The decision to return was made possible due to the recent liberation of several districts including Jabrayil, Kalbajar, and Fuzuli, which were previously under Armenian control. Azerbaijani refugees, many of whom were displaced in the 1990s, are now able to return to their ancestral homes. According to Azerbaijani officials, over 15,000 people have already returned to the newly liberated districts, with many more expected to follow in the coming months.
The return of Azerbaijani refugees is seen as a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to rebuild and recover from the devastating effects of the conflict. Many communities had been living in precarious conditions in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, and are now able to return to their homes and rebuild their lives.
The Azerbaijani government has pledged to provide support and assistance to those returning, including the provision of housing, employment opportunities, and access to healthcare and education. Additionally, international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have pledged to provide support and assistance to the region.
The return of Azerbaijani refugees is also seen as a crucial step towards the implementation of the November 2020 ceasefire agreement signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The agreement, which marked the end of the second Karabakh War, established principles for the peaceful resolution of the conflict and the normalization of relations between the two nations.
As Azerbaijan celebrates the return of its people, concerns remain about the challenges that lie ahead. Many districts in Nagorno-Karabakh still require significant reconstruction and rebuilding, and the international community must provide sustained support to ensure that the process is completed.
Nonetheless, the return of Azerbaijani refugees is a significant moment in the nation’s history, and marks a crucial step towards a brighter future for the people of Azerbaijan and the region. As the nation continues to rebuild and recover, it is clear that the road to recovery will be complex and challenging, but it is also a testament to the resilience and determination of the Azerbaijani people.