The European Forum on Refugee Issues and Forced Expulsion, which emphasized the rights of women during deportation processes, took place successfully in Madrid on October 9th, 2023. The event extensively examined Azerbaijan’s case, where the country accommodated one million refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) during its independence restoration in the early 1990s.

The forum served as a crucial platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, bringing together academia, media, civil society, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), embassies, and other institutions dedicated to refugee issues.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Mrs. Tanzila Rustamkhanli, Chairwoman of the Azerbaijani-Turkish Women Society, and H.E. Mr. Ramiz Hasanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan. A notable highlight was a video message from Mr. Ryszard Czarnecki, a member of the European Parliament from Poland. Key participants included Mr. Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, Director General of the European Neighborhood Council, Azerbaijani poet and Parliament member Mr. Sabir Rustamkhanli, and Mr. Aziz Alakbarli, Chairman of the Western Azerbaijanis Community.

Attendees were treated to a visually stimulating display of works by the renowned photographer and artist, Mr. Reza Deghati.

The forum’s agenda comprised two panels: The first discussed the European perspective of the refugee crisis, exploring challenges and potential solutions through international cooperation. The second panel delved into Azerbaijan’s experience as a recipient country of forcibly expelled refugees.

We extend our gratitude to all participants and interested parties who joined this significant event, contributing to collective efforts aimed at addressing and mitigating challenges associated with refugees and forced expulsions.

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