Ambassador: Hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis will return to their home towns after almost 30 years

British Ambassador to Azerbaijan James Sharp congratulated Azerbaijanis on the coming New Year and the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis. He noted that COVID-19 has brought about a new normal in our daily lives, like wearing masks, social distance, and handwashing at every opportunity.

"Traditionally, today, friends and families would be coming together to celebrate the New Year. Unfortunately, this will not be possible for many, and I’d like to take a moment to remember those who passed away during the year due to this terrible virus.

On behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, I would also like to offer sincere condolences for the loss of life during the recent fighting in and around Nagorno-Karabakh. Again, our thoughts are with the friends and families of all the conflict victims during this difficult time.

This year, especially, has shown us the importance and value of supporting each other during challenging times.
The UK is proud to be supporting Azerbaijan in the fight against COVID-19 through our work in training medical workers and helping them develop new skills and strengthen health services in rural areas. More broadly, UK scientific expertise is at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19 to bring life-saving vaccines to the world.

The UK has also supported Azerbaijanis in need through a £1m donation via the ICRC to those most affected in the recent Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In partnership with the UN, we’ve ensured that women and girls in conflict-affected areas received vital essentials by distributing dignity packs.

While 2020 has brought unique challenges, I truly believe there is hope. Out of the most challenging circumstances can also come great opportunities to build back better.

COVID-19 has led to an unprecedented shutdown of large parts of the global economy with severe consequences. As we recover, we can create more environmentally friendly economies that protect and restore nature and reduce our exposure to deadly viruses and climate impacts.

As the UN Climate Change Conference, COP26 Presidency, the UK is committed to increasing climate ambition. As a strategic energy partner of Azerbaijan, the UK and our companies are eager to expand our cooperation and support Azerbaijan’s energy diversification towards greener energy sources so that it too can make ambitious commitments on greenhouse gas reductions.

Just as the post-COVID situation will bring about opportunities to build back better, so will Azerbaijan’s post-conflict environment.
Hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijani IDPs will soon be returning back to their home towns and villages after almost thirty years. As these settlements are reconstructed, it offers an opportunity for model settlements at the forefront of technology and environmental friendliness to be created.

Settlements in which all sections of society can contribute and have their needs recognized, whether women, veterans, or people with disabilities. In partnership with Azerbaijan’s international friends, civil society will also have a vital role in helping the Azerbaijani government and IDP communities build back better.

The UK has been a proud supporter of IDP communities through various initiatives, including the British Council run learning-hubs. The UK has also supported the drafting of a National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security, which will be a vital platform in ensuring women’s voices are heard in the post-conflict environment. I hope Azerbaijan will adopt this Action Plan early in 2021.

I look forward to the UK, expanding our support to Azerbaijan’s IDP communities in the coming years.

So, while 2020 was a year of challenges, let us look upon 2021 as a year of opportunities.

I congratulate all Azerbaijanis on World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and wish everyone in Azerbaijan, including our British community, a healthy and happy new year. "