ICRC PLEDGES TO LOOK INTO AZERI CAPTIVES, MISSING PERSONS
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
April 6 2006
The International Committee of the Red Cross will thoroughly address
the plight of Azerbaijani captives and missing persons, its president
Jacob Kellenberger said during his recent meeting with refugees in
the country’s Sabirabad and Bilasuvar districts.
“The plight of missing persons is a serious problem in Azerbaijan.
Their family members should be informed about their loved ones, and
this work is a key part of ICRC’s mandate. Whichever country we visit,
we make sure the issue is discussed,” Kellenberger said during his
visit to Azerbaijan.
The ICRC president also visited the areas settled by 10,000 IDPs from
ther Fuzuli and Jabrayil districts as well as a settlement in Bilasuvar
settled by 12,000 refugees. After visiting several residential
buildings, a school and a hospital, he praised the Azerbaijani
government’s efforts to improve the conditions for displaced persons.
Over 5,000 Azerbaijanis were taken captive by Armenia or went missing
during the battles for Garabagh. It has been impossible so far to
obtain any information about them.