Baku:The right of families to receive information about missing relatives should not hinge on political negotiations or broader dispute resolutions.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, Haji Ali Ajikul, Vice-Chairman of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, made this statement during a panel session at the 4th International Conference of the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons.
Ajikul emphasized that behind each missing individual is a human life and a family enduring years of uncertainty. He stated that addressing these situations is not merely charitable but a legal and moral obligation. The Commission has suggested creating an impartial mechanism for information exchange and verification regarding missing persons, centering families in the process, and enhancing DNA and forensic capabilities.
Ajikul also highlighted the importance of regularly evaluating progress within the ‘Baku Dialogue’ framework and improving coordination among organizations such as the UN, OIC, and ICRC. The Commission expressed solidarity with families of missing persons in Azerbaijan, urging for cooperation that leads to tangible outcomes and answers for every family.