Parvana Valiyeva calls for dialogue on Azerbaijanis’ right to return to Armenia
Valiyeva’s message is clear: human rights must be upheld, and the right to return must not be ignored

Parvana Valiyeva, a member of the Azerbaijan Parliament and a representative of WAC
Parvana Valiyeva, a member of the Azerbaijan Parliament and a representative of the Western Azerbaijan Community (WAC), has reiterated the urgent need for a peaceful resolution regarding the right of displaced Azerbaijanis to return to their historical homeland in Armenia. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Nipashe Biz, Valiyeva emphasized that the right of refugees to return home is a fundamental human right, enshrined in various international conventions.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), as of the end of 2023, an estimated 117.3 million people worldwide had been forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution, human rights violations, and public order disturbances. Among them, Azerbaijanis who were deported from Armenia in the 20th century, remained a largely overlooked group in international discussions on refugee rights.
“The deportations of people from their homelands do not mean they have lost their right to return,” said Valiyeva. “International law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, guarantees this fundamental right.”
Valiyeva highlighted that in the 20th century alone, approximately 400,000 Azerbaijanis were forcibly removed from their homes in Armenia through four major deportations. These mass displacements led to the establishment of the Western Azerbaijan Community (WAC), an organization advocating for the return of these individuals to their ancestral lands.
“We do not question the territorial integrity or sovereignty of Armenia,” she stated. “Our issue is rooted in human rights. The Armenian government must engage in dialogue with our community to discuss the conditions for a peaceful, safe, and dignified return.”
Western Azerbaijan Community Refugees
The call for refugee repatriation is backed by numerous international agreements. The 1948 UN General Assembly Resolution 194 explicitly states that refugees wishing to return to their homes and live in peace with their neighbors should be permitted to do so at the earliest possible date. Additionally, the 1951 Refugee Convention outlines legal protections for displaced persons, including the right to legal recognition, freedom of movement, access to education, and employment opportunities.
Furthermore, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Agenda is based on the principles of universal human rights and the commitment to “leave no one behind.” According to Valiyeva, ensuring the safe return of displaced Azerbaijanis aligns with the SDG goal of improving the conditions of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless populations.
Despite legal backing, Valiyeva noted that Armenia’s leadership has not yet provided a concrete response to WAC’s proposal for reintegration. She stressed that open communication is essential to finding a sustainable solution.
“The deported Azerbaijanis have an undeniable right to return, and this issue must be resolved through constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, and legal guarantees,” she said. “We urge the Armenian government to engage in meaningful discussions to facilitate this process.”
As global refugee crises continue to dominate international discussions, the plight of displaced Azerbaijanis remains a pressing issue. With strong legal precedents and international frameworks in place, the focus now shifts to diplomatic efforts and Armenia’s willingness to acknowledge and address the historical grievances of the WAC community.