Statement of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the 5th Anniversary of September 27 - Memorial Day
September 27 is commemorated in our country as Memorial Day. Five years ago, on September 27, 2020, the Patriotic War began to repel the large-scale provocations carried out by the armed forces of Armenia against Azerbaijan and to liberate our lands that had been under occupation for many years. The 44-day war concluded with a historic Victory.
Today, on the day the Patriotic War began, we pay deep tribute to the cherished memory of our servicemen who gave their lives for the freedom of our lands, as well as the civilians-including women and children-who lost their lives as a result of enemy provocations during the war.
Throughout the 44 days of the Patriotic War, the Armenian armed forces grossly violated international humanitarian law by targeting Azerbaijan's cities and regions such as Ganja, Barda, and Tartar. As a result of missile and heavy artillery attacks, more than a hundred Azerbaijani civilians lost their lives. The killing and injury of women and children, and the
destruction of entire families, stand as stark evidence of Armenia's war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Even after the war, more than 1 million landmines planted in our territories during the years of occupation remain a serious threat to our people. Since November 2020, more than 400 civilians including women and children-have fallen victim to mine explosions. The tragic fate of mine victims reflects not only Azerbaijan's suffering but also the broader
plight of millions of people living in conflict zones around the world.
The end of the Patriotic War, and the complete restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty, created an entirely new geopolitical reality in the region. Today, Azerbaijan is taking historic steps to ensure long-term peace and stability.
At the same time, the State of Azerbaijan is carrying out large-scale reconstruction and development works in the liberated territories: building modern infrastructure, creating employment opportunities, and enabling the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons to their homes.
The signing of the Joint Declaration on the establishment of peace and interstate relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia at a ceremony held at the White House on August 8, 2025, marked a historic turning point for the South Caucasus region. This Declaration put an end to decades of tensions and confrontations, laying a solid foundation for lasting peace and mutual cooperation in the region. The signing of the document is of great significance not only for Azerbaijan and Armenia, but also for ensuring stability and prosperity across the wider region. The declaration will create new opportunities for partnership in political, economic, energy, social, humanitarian, and other fields.