BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 23. Vice President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) from Azerbaijan, member of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sevil Mikayilova has addressed the General Debate of the 151st Assembly of IPU on “Upholding humanitarian norms and supporting humanitarian action in times of crisis” in Geneva, Switzerland, Trend reports.
Mikayilova noted in her speech that Azerbaijan advocates multilateral and inclusive approaches to global humanitarian actions.
“Azerbaijan is deeply committed to protecting human rights in conflict situations. Azerbaijan has been a main co-sponsor of the UN General Assembly resolution on “Missing Persons” since 2002 and supports the UN Commission on the Status of Women resolution on the “Release of women and children taken hostage in armed conflicts.” In September 2023, Azerbaijan hosted its first international conference on clarifying the fate of missing persons, marking the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances,” she said.
The MP pointed out that parliaments play a central role in addressing the humanitarian crises.
Mikayilova believes that it is necessary to mobilize political will, champion inclusive governance, and promote dialogue across societies.
"A multi-sectoral, inclusive, and equitable approach is essential. Parliaments must act together to mobilize international organizations for rapid responses and keep humanitarian issues high on the global agenda. The IPU, for its part, could consider establishing a working group or holding an extraordinary meeting to address the existing shortcomings,” the MP said.
The 151st Assembly of the IPU is underway in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 19 through October 23. All IPU statutory bodies, including the Governing Council, Standing Committees, Committees on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians and on Middle East Questions, as well as the Forum of Women Parliamentarians and the Forum of Young MPs, are meeting on this occasion.