On October 21, the UN member states discussed issues on internally displaced people at the UN headquarters.

Walter Kalin, Representative of the UN Secretary-General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced People and UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Margaret Sekaggya also participated in the discussions.

Armenian and Azerbaijani delegations delivered speeches at the meeting with Walter Kalin. The Azerbaijani representatives stressed the IDP’s number in Azerbaijan is the greatest in the world due to Armenia’s “aggression” and “occupation” and expressed Government’s concern for IDPs right to return to their homes.

The Armenian delegation referred to Azerbaijan’s intolerant policy, ethnic cleansings, violence and consequences of the Azerbaijan-unleashed war, particularly the problems of thousands of Armenian IDPs. They also presented the Karabkh peace process and efforts by Armenia and international community to maintain regional peace.

In response, Kalin noted the IDPs should have a right to choose whether to return to their houses or not. He attached significance to creation of favorable conditions, but stressed there are no prerequisites for them in the region yet. He urged the concerned sides to step up efforts to sign a peace agreement and then refer to the problem.

In her speech, Margaret Sekaggya stressed her recent visit to Armenia was a good occasion to familiarize herself with human rights situation in Armenia and expressed gratitude to Armenian authorities for an invitation and assistance in her mission. She also stressed she will make a final report in Geneva, during the next session of UN Human Rights Council in March 2011.