Red Cross to end operations in Azerbaijan

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will cease the activities of its delegation in Azerbaijan as of Sept. 3, 2025, following a decision by the Azerbaijani government, the organization’s press service has said in a statement.

According to the statement, in line with its mandate and Azerbaijan’s obligations under the Geneva Conventions, the ICRC will continue to cooperate with Azerbaijani authorities to support individuals protected by international humanitarian law (IHL).

“We intend to maintain dialogue on humanitarian diplomacy, international humanitarian law, and other humanitarian issues of mutual concern. Since 1992, the ICRC has supported the urgent and vital needs of communities affected by conflict, provided psychosocial assistance to victims, carried out programs to improve essential infrastructure, and promoted awareness of mine risks and safe behavior in areas contaminated by explosive remnants of war,” the statement reads.

The organization emphasized that it has also assisted authorities in strengthening respect for IHL and in efforts to clarify the fate of persons missing in connection with the conflict.

“In addition, we have visited detainees to monitor their conditions of detention and treatment, as well as to help maintain contact between detainees and their families. Our activities have been carried out in close cooperation with the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, state institutions and agencies, as well as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies,” the ICRC added.