On February 25, 2025, a hybrid format commemorative event titled “Khojaly Genocide: Crime Against Humanity” was held in connection with the “Year of Constitution and Sovereignty, the 107th anniversary of the Genocide against Azerbaijanis and the 33rd anniversary of the Khojaly Genocide.” The event, jointly organized by the Guba District Executive Power, the Guba District Organization of the New Azerbaijan Party, the Northern Regional Center of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Azerbaijan – Ombudsman, and the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Guba city, extensively discussed the history of Azerbaijan’s struggle for sovereignty, the international recognition of the genocides committed against our people, including the Khojaly Genocide, and the impact of these events on our national identity.
After the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played, the souls of our heroic sons and daughters who died for the freedom of our lands – the victims of the Khojaly genocide – were commemorated with a minute of silence. Opening the event with an introductory speech, the Director of the Genocide Memorial Complex, Dr. Rakhshenda Bayramova, emphasized that the Khojaly events were an act of genocide carried out with the aim of completely destroying the civilian population. She recalled that during the event, 613 people, including 106 women, 63 children and a 70-year-old man, were killed with particular cruelty, 1275 people were taken hostage and their fate remained unknown for many years.
Speaking, the Head of the Caucasian History Department of the Institute of History and Ethnology named after A. A. Bakikhanov of ANAS, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Prof. Gasim Hajiyev stated that the Khojaly Genocide is proven by historical facts and is one of the most terrible examples of the purposeful ethnic cleansing policy carried out by Armenian nationalists against Azerbaijanis. He also noted that this incident was a crime committed not only against the Azerbaijani people, but also against humanity in general, and stressed the importance of its recognition at the international legal level and ensuring legal responsibility.
Speaking later, the Deputy Head of the Guba Executive Power, Ms. Saida Abasova, emphasized that the terrible Khojaly tragedy that the Azerbaijani people faced in the 20th century can only be compared with the bloody events that have gone down in human history, such as the Holocaust, Khatyn, Lidisa, Oradur, Songmi genocides. By committing the Khojaly tragedy, the Armenians wanted to frighten our people, break their determination to fight, and force them to come to terms with the loss of part of our historical lands. However, the cunning enemy could not achieve its goal. Our people became even more determined in the struggle for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their state, demonstrating heroism and perseverance.
In his speech, Elkhan Maharramov, Deputy Chairman of the Guba District Organization of the New Azerbaijan Party, brought to the attention of the event participants the diplomatic and legal work carried out by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, in order to promote the Khojaly Genocide in the international arena. He particularly emphasized the importance of the “Justice for Khojaly” campaign and stated that Azerbaijan has achieved recognition of this event as genocide in a number of countries.
Speaking at the event, Bahruz Efendiyev, Head of the Northern Regional Center of the Ombudsman, noted that the Khojaly Genocide is recognized as a crime against humanity under international law. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening the role of human rights institutions and civil society in communicating this event to the world community.
