The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UN has addressed a letter to the UN Secretary-General on the 33rd anniversary of the Khojaly genocide.

Axar.az reports that the letter states that 33 years ago, the largest genocide was committed as a result of Armenia's aggression against Azerbaijan, the city of Khojaly was occupied overnight, and 613 civilians, including 106 women, 63 children and 70 elderly people, were killed. It was noted that another thousand Khojaly residents were injured that day, 1,275 people were taken hostage, and 150 people went missing.

The letter emphasized that several international organizations, national parliaments, well-known international lawyers, foreign journalists, human rights defenders, and international non-governmental organizations condemned the Khojaly massacre as an act of genocide or a crime against humanity.

"A general assessment of the causes and consequences of the aggression and the available evidence clearly show that the crimes committed in Khojaly were not isolated or accidental, but were part of a widespread and systematic policy of barbarity committed based on ethnic and religious hatred and intolerance. In addition, to achieve military goals, the aggressor used prohibited methods and means of warfare, such as the illegal targeting of the civilian population of Azerbaijan, the taking and holding of hostages, the mistreatment of prisoners of war and their summary execution, ethnic cleansing, the widespread destruction of Azerbaijani settlements, the imposition of a judicial sentence on the civilian population, and the destruction of cultural and religious heritage," the letter said.

It also mentioned the counter-offensive operation and local anti-terrorist measures carried out by Azerbaijan in the fourth quarter of 2020 and September 2023, as a result of which the illegal occupation of Azerbaijani territories was ended and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country was restored. It was noted that after the end of the conflict in November 2020, 18 mass graves containing the bodies of more than 600 people were discovered in those areas, including in Khojaly.

“As for the legal aspect, the obligation of states to punish those who committed the most serious crimes has been repeatedly confirmed in relevant international instruments, including by the General Assembly and the Security Council. Azerbaijan, in full compliance with its national legislation and international obligations, has taken decisive steps to investigate and prosecute serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. However, the majority of criminals continue to remain unpunished, finding haven in Armenia and other countries. Denial of the crimes they committed and ignorance, including attempts to hinder Azerbaijan through various political methods and smear campaigns in the media, parliaments, and international organizations, constitute a clear disrespect for international law and the rule of law and pose a threat to ensuring lasting peace in the region. "Accountability for serious violations of the law is essential and must be inevitable. Azerbaijan will never forget the atrocities committed against its people and will continue its efforts to ensure justice, including the establishment, sustainability, and strengthening of peace and stability in the region," the letter said.