An international conference titled “Right of Return and Self-Determination: Double Standards and Selective Approaches,” organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), has kicked off at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Axar.az reports, citing Azertac, this marks the first time that an event specifically addressing the ethnic cleansing of Azerbaijanis by Armenia has been held at the U.S. Congress.

The conference brings together experts specializing in the protection of the rights of refugees and national minorities, representatives of pro-independence movements from Dutch colonial territories, members of Sikh communities, human rights advocates, international law experts, representatives of diaspora organizations whose communities have been subjected to ethnically motivated violence, discrimination and persecution, as well as representatives of civil society organizations and affected communities.

The discussions focus on ensuring that international organizations consistently prioritize the recognition of fundamental rights, particularly the right to a safe, voluntary and dignified return to historical homelands. The issue is being examined through the experience of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis who were forcibly expelled from their historical lands in present-day Armenia as a result of a deliberate policy of ethnic cleansing.

The conference also provides a platform for a broad exchange of views on the legal assessment under international law of the systematic destruction, desecration and appropriation of the cultural, religious and historical heritage of the Azerbaijani people remaining in Armenia. This includes the erasure or alteration of toponyms, mosques, cemeteries, shrines and other historical monuments.

In addition, participants are discussing ways to bring these violations to the attention of international accountability and monitoring mechanisms within the United Nations system and its relevant bodies. The discussions cover on-site investigations and documentation, the deployment of fact-finding missions, and the development of specialized investigative and reporting mechanisms through UN special rapporteurs and other international mandate holders.

The conference also addresses the realization of the right to self-determination for peoples living under colonial rule. In particular, participants are discussing efforts to advance the inclusion of colonies on the UN agenda under the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories subject to decolonization.