Azerbaijan's Un Membership: What's The Status?

Azerbaijan has been a member of the United Nations since March 2, 1992, and has a Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan in New York City. The country has used its platform in the UN to draw attention to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and advocate for a peaceful resolution. Azerbaijan was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 2012-2013 and has been an active participant in the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) project. The country has also contributed to the work of the UN General Assembly and has been a sponsor or co-sponsor of several resolutions. Azerbaijan has established broad relations with the UN and cooperates with various specialized agencies and bodies, including UNESCO, UNDP, UNICEF, and WHO. The country's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and successful cooperation with the UN have earned it recognition and awards from the organization.

Azerbaijan's role in the UN Security Council

Azerbaijan has been a member of the United Nations since March 2, 1992, and has contributed to the work of the UN General Assembly in several ways. Azerbaijan was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for a one-year term in 2012-2013.

The UN Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. Each of the 15 members has one vote, and under the UN Charter, all member states must comply with the Council's decisions. The Security Council can impose sanctions or authorise the use of force to maintain peace. Azerbaijan has used its platform in the UN to draw attention to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, providing comprehensive information to shape an objective public opinion and using the UN's potential for a peaceful settlement of the conflict. During 1992-1993, the UN Security Council adopted four resolutions (822, 853, 874, and 884) and made six statements regarding the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. These resolutions confirmed Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, condemned the occupation of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, and demanded an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of occupying forces.

Azerbaijan has also contributed to the UN's work by sponsoring or co-sponsoring several resolutions, including the Commission on the Status of Women's annual resolution on releasing women and children taken hostage in armed conflicts. In addition, Azerbaijan has been actively involved in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has demonstrated its commitment to the 2030 Agenda. The country was one of the first to undertake a MAPS mission, outlining concrete steps to accelerate the SDGs, and it has implemented various projects with UN agencies to improve living standards and structural adjustments to the economy.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

The war was won by the Armenians, resulting in the occupation of regions around Soviet-era Nagorno-Karabakh. There were expulsions of ethnic Armenians from Azerbaijan and ethnic Azerbaijanis from Armenia and the Armenian-controlled areas. A ceasefire was signed in 1994 in Bishkek, followed by two decades of relative stability, which significantly deteriorated in the 2010s. A four-day escalation in April 2016 resulted in hundreds of casualties but only minor changes to the front line.

In late 2020, the large-scale Second Nagorno-Karabakh War resulted in thousands of casualties and a significant Azerbaijani victory. An armistice was established by a tripartite ceasefire agreement on November 10, resulting in Azerbaijan regaining all of the occupied territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh as well as capturing one-third of Nagorno-Karabakh itself. Ceasefire violations in Nagorno-Karabakh and on the Armenian–Azerbaijani border continued following the 2020 war. Azerbaijan began blockading Nagorno-Karabakh in December 2022, and launched a large-scale military offensive in September 2023, resulting in a ceasefire agreement. Most ethnic Armenians fled, and the Republic of Artsakh was officially dissolved on January 1, 2024.

The conflict has its roots in the dissolution of the Russian Empire and the formation of the short-lived Karabakh Council in 1918 by the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. Due to Azerbaijani–British pressure, the Karabakh Council was forced to recognise provisionally the authority of Azerbaijan, pending the Paris Peace Conference's adjudication of the international borders of the republics within the South Caucasus. As the peace conference was inconclusive regarding Nagorno-Karabakh, the Azerbaijani governor-general, Khosrov bey Sultanov, issued an ultimatum to the Armenians of Karabakh in early 1920, stipulating their acceptance of permanent inclusion into Azerbaijan.

In 1923, the Soviet Union established the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast within the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic, which was home to a 95% ethnically Armenian population. Throughout the Soviet period, Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast were heavily discriminated against. The Soviet Azerbaijani authorities worked to suppress Armenian culture and identity in Nagorno-Karabakh, pressured Armenians to leave the region, and encouraged Azerbaijanis to settle within it, although Armenians remained the majority population.

In 1988, the regional legislature of Nagorno-Karabakh passed a resolution declaring its intention to join the Republic of Armenia, citing self-determination laws in the Soviet constitution. This act was met with a series of pogroms against Armenians across Azerbaijan, before violence was committed against both Armenians and Azerbaijanis. Amid the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1988–89, Nagorno-Karabakh officially declared independence, and full-scale war erupted. The first Karabakh war, from 1988 to 1994, resulted in roughly thirty thousand casualties and created hundreds of thousands of refugees. By 1993, Armenia had gained control of Nagorno-Karabakh and occupied 20% of Azerbaijan’s geographic area.

Following the bilateral acceptance of a ceasefire in 1994, which formally remained in force until September 2020, the use of attack drones, shelling, and special operations activities by Armenian and Azerbaijani troops led to intermittent clashes. Early April 2016 witnessed the most intense fighting since 1994, leading to hundreds of casualties along the line of separation. After four days of fighting, the two sides announced they had agreed to cease hostilities. However, a breakdown in talks resulted in both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations, and tensions remained high.

Following a summer of cross-border attacks, heavy fighting broke out along the Azerbaijan-Nagorno-Karabakh border in late September 2020. More than seven thousand soldiers and civilians were killed, with hundreds more Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers wounded. Both countries initially rejected pressure from the United Nations, the United States, and Russia to hold talks and end hostilities, and instead pledged to continue fighting. Tensions escalated further when both sides switched from cross-border shelling to longer-range artillery and other heavy weaponry. After several failed attempts by Russia, France, and the United States to negotiate a ceasefire, Russia successfully brokered a deal on November 9, 2020, reinforced by Russian peacekeepers, ending the six-week Second Nagorno-Karabakh War.

Azerbaijan has used the platform of the United Nations to draw attention to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, providing the international community with comprehensive information to shape an objective public opinion and using the United Nations' potential for the peaceful settlement of the conflict. During 1992-1993, the UN Security Council adopted four resolutions (822, 853, 874, and 884) and made six statements of the UNSC President on the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. They confirmed the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, condemned the occupation of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, demanded an immediate ceasefire, suspension of hostilities, and withdrawal of all occupying forces from the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Negotiation and mediation efforts, primarily led by the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), have failed to produce a permanent solution to the conflict. The Minsk Group was created in 1994 to address the dispute and is co-chaired by the United States, France, and Russia. The three co-chairs are empowered to organize negotiations with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, separately and at summits. Although the group has successfully negotiated ceasefires, territorial disputes remain unresolved.

Azerbaijan's relations with the UN

Azerbaijan has been a member of the United Nations since March 2, 1992, after gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Azerbaijan's relationship with the UN has developed rapidly in many fields, and the country has been an active participant in the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) project. Azerbaijan has also contributed to the work of the UN General Assembly, being elected as a member of the UNICEF Executive Board, the Commission on the Status of Women, the Committee on Sustainable Development, the UN Human Rights Council, and the UN Economic and Social Council.

Azerbaijan has used the platform of the United Nations to draw attention to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, with the UN Security Council adopting four resolutions (822, 853, 874, and 884) and making six statements during 1992-1993. These confirmed Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, condemned the occupation of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, and demanded an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of occupying forces. The UN General Assembly also adopted a resolution, "Emergency international assistance to refugees and displaced persons in Azerbaijan", in response to the humanitarian situation in the country.

Azerbaijan was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 2012-2013, becoming the first country in the South Caucasus and Central Asia to do so. During its membership, Azerbaijan chaired the Security Council in May 2012 and October 2013, holding 30 republic and individual meetings, 29 closed meetings, and adopting seven resolutions and three statements.

Azerbaijan has broad relations with the UN and cooperates with various specialized agencies and bodies, including UNESCO, UNDP, UNICEF, UNIDO, WHO, WIPO, UNFPA, and UNIFEM. The country has also partnered with the UN Agencies in the fight against poverty, resulting in significant reductions over the last 25 years. Azerbaijan has been recognized by the UN for its achievements in this area, as well as for its successful policy towards improving the social welfare of its population.

The United Nations and the Government of Azerbaijan concluded a new cooperation agreement in 2016 with the signing of the United Nations-Azerbaijan Partnership Framework (UNAPF) for 2016-2020, marking a transition to partnership-based cooperation. Azerbaijan has also hosted several UN events, including the first Global Forum on youth policy in 2014 and the seventh Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations in 2016.

Azerbaijan's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals

Azerbaijan has been a member of the United Nations since March 2, 1992, and has demonstrated a strong commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. Here are some key aspects of Azerbaijan's dedication to the SDGs:

National Coordination Council for Sustainable Development:

In 2016, the President of Azerbaijan issued a decree to establish the National Coordination Council for Sustainable Development. This council serves as a key partner for the United Nations, facilitating the implementation of the SDGs in the country. The council works closely with various stakeholders, including government ministries, parliament, public institutions, NGOs, the private sector, and academic institutions.

Prioritization of SDGs:

Azerbaijan has prioritized 17 SDGs, 88 targets, and 119 indicators, encompassing economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainable development. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the country's recognition of the interconnected nature of the SDGs.

Voluntary National Review Reports:*

Azerbaijan has submitted Voluntary National Review (VNR) reports in 2017 and 2019, becoming the first country among the CIS to submit two VNRs by 2019. These reports outline the country's progress, achievements, and challenges in implementing the SDGs.

MAPS Mission:*

Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to undertake a MAPS mission (Mainstreaming, Acceleration, and Policy Support for the 2030 Agenda). This mission outlined concrete policy steps and programming to accelerate the SDGs, and the experience was shared at the 2018 Baku Forum on Sustainable Development.

Baku Principles:*

The 2018 Baku Forum on Sustainable Development also marked the adoption of the Baku Principles, which established provisions for the integration and acceleration of SDGs implementation. This demonstrates Azerbaijan's commitment to not only achieving the SDGs but also collaborating with other nations in the region.

National Information Portal on SDGs:*

With UN support, Azerbaijan launched the National Information Portal on SDGs, which provides an interactive dashboard for data collection and real-time monitoring of progress toward the SDGs. This portal enhances transparency and accountability in the country's journey toward sustainable development.

Focus on Data Quality and Disaggregation:*

The United Nations provides continuous support to strengthen Azerbaijan's national statistical capacities. This includes improving data quality and focusing on disaggregation to ensure that no one is left behind, aligning with the core principle of the SDGs.

Engagement with Different Groups:

Azerbaijan and the United Nations make special efforts to engage various groups in promoting the SDGs, including the private sector, media, parliamentarians, and the public. This inclusive approach ensures that all segments of society are involved in the country's sustainable development journey.

Sustainable Development in Post-Conflict Regions:

Azerbaijan has shown a strong commitment to reviving its economic regions affected by the long-standing conflict with Armenia, including Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. This includes rebuilding conflict-affected districts, improving living conditions, and creating an environment conducive to sustainable development and lasting peace.

Mine Action as 18th National SDG:*

Due to the extensive contamination by landmines and unexploded ordnance, Mine Action was officially declared the 18th National SDG in Azerbaijan in 2023. The government cooperates with the UN, EU, and WB for the Joint Recovery Needs Assessment, prioritizing areas for post-conflict recovery, reconstruction, and development.

Socio-Economic Development Strategy 2022-2026:*

Azerbaijan's Socio-Economic Development Strategy for 2022-2026 outlines five National Priorities and provides a comprehensive roadmap with clear indicators and targets. This strategy aims to positively impact various SDGs, such as equal opportunity, sustainable economic growth, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, quality health and education, and inclusive governance.

UN-Azerbaijan Partnership:*

The United Nations and Azerbaijan concluded the UN-Azerbaijan Partnership Framework (UNAPF) for 2016-2020, marking a transition from assistance-based to partnership-based cooperation. This framework is guided by the country's development aspirations and aims to support economic diversification and institutional capacity building.

Overall, Azerbaijan has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals through various initiatives, policies, and partnerships. The country continues to work closely with the United Nations and other organizations to achieve the 2030 Agenda and create a more sustainable and prosperous future for its citizens.

Azerbaijan's work with the UN Development Programme

Azerbaijan has been a member of the United Nations since March 2, 1992, and has been working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for close to three decades. In partnership with the government and civil society, the UNDP has designed and implemented innovative initiatives to enable socially excluded people and communities, such as youth, people with disabilities, women living in rural areas, and prison inmates to improve their lives, ensuring they have equal access to quality services.

The UNDP's flagship Women Resource Centres operate in eight regions of Azerbaijan, where hundreds of women benefit from business development training, vocational education, and new employment and income-generation opportunities. The UNDP also helps socially active women organise themselves into community groups and register and operate NGOs.

The UNDP provides capacity-building support to government institutions to effectively develop and implement gender-sensitive and evidence-based policies. Current programmes aim to modernise the vocational education system, revamp public service delivery, promote e-governance and robust youth engagement. To date, the UNDP has helped introduce a competitive recruitment process for civil servants, a one-stop-shop centralised registry for citizens, and new procedures for improved transparency in key national institutions.

The UNDP supports modernising the information and communication technologies sector in Azerbaijan and facilitates improved government efficiency in border and customs services through integrated border management tools, while also providing technical and financial assistance to ensure effective mine clearance nationwide.

The UNDP empowers local communities to participate in decision-making processes for sustainable pastureland and forest management and strengthens farmers' livelihoods through expanding agro-businesses using local crop varieties. Community resilience to climate-induced floods is strengthened through the establishment of an early warning system and the implementation of a gender-sensitive disaster preparedness programme addressing specific vulnerabilities.

The UNDP supports the country's efforts to reduce harmful greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase energy efficiency in the transport and construction sectors. In 2018, the UNDP helped the Government of Azerbaijan create the first marine national park in the entire Caspian Sea region.

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