By decision of the Azerbaijani government, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will end its delegation’s activities in Azerbaijan starting September 3, 2025, according to a statement by the organization.
The ICRC noted that “the Azerbaijani authorities will ensure communication between detainees and their families.”
“We understand that the closure of our office may cause uncertainty and concern for families who relied on the ICRC to receive news about their detained relatives. This function has been assumed by the Azerbaijani authorities, who will continue ensuring communication between these individuals and their families. The ICRC remains committed to supporting persons protected under international humanitarian law.
Our dialogue with the Azerbaijani authorities continues in line with the ICRC’s mandate and the obligations set forth by the Geneva Conventions.
Other activities in Azerbaijan, such as support for families of the missing, have been handed over to national authorities. The State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages, and Missing Persons of Azerbaijan will continue efforts to search for and identify human remains.
We support cooperation between the state commissions of Azerbaijan and Armenia and hope their joint efforts will provide long-awaited answers to the families of the missing. As a neutral intermediary, we remain ready to assist dialogue and activities between the two sides, should they request it,” the statement said.
The ICRC stressed that its involvement and physical presence in any country always depend on the agreement of local authorities. The organization added that it is not in a position to comment on the Azerbaijani government’s decision.
