On October 13, 2020, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs Ms. Bahar Muradova met with the Head of the UN Office in Azerbaijan, Resident Coordinator  Mr.Gulam Isakzai and the Head of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Azerbaijan  Mr. Edward Carwardine.

Welcoming the guests, the chairperson of the committee stressed the importance of the work done in cooperation with the UN. She also thanked for the initiative to hold the meeting at such a difficult time due to the recent events, as well as for the opportunities to exchange views on the problems faced by our citizens as a result of the acts of aggression by Armenia. She also noted that today we are facing these serious consequences due to the lack of attention to the issue at the international level. despite the fact that Azerbaijan side have always said that these events would happen again in 30 years, Unfortunately, despite a peaceful settlement of the issue, Armenia, in addition to not fulfilling its obligations, forced Azerbaijan to carry out a counter-offensive acts by committing a series of provocations.

Noting that Azerbaijan is using its right under the UN Charter to liberate its territories,  Mrs. Muradova said that the events that took place after the declaration of a humanitarian ceasefire proved once again how right we were in taking these steps. She stressed that the targeting of civilians and civilian objects during the terrorist attacks in Ganja and Mingachevir fully revealed the essence of Armenia's policy.

The Head of the UN Office in Azerbaijan, Resident Coordinator  Mr. Gulam Isakzai thanked the Chairperson of the Committee for taking the time to hold the meeting and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the events in Ganja and expressed hope that the injured will soon recover. Noting that they visited Ganja in connection with the incident, Mr. Isakzai assessed the results and effects, noting that the targeting of civilians could not be justified in any way. He stressed the importance of protection and expressed readiness to provide humanitarian assistance as the United Nations at this time.

Speaking later, UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan Edward Carward stressed the importance of psychological support for children affected by the conflict and suggested a number of urgent steps. Noting the importance of the Committee's existing centers in the regions, he stressed the importance of establishing a network of professionals, representatives of a number of government agencies, youth centers and non-governmental organizations. He noted that UNICEF are ready to provide technical and financial support in the implementation of this work, as well as the organization of trainings to improve the professionalism of those working in this field.

The meeting was attended by Mrs. Sadagat Gahramanova and  Mrs. Aynur Sofiyeva, Deputy Chairpersons of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, and  Mrs.Shams Mustafayeva, Partnership Development Specialist of the UN Office in Azerbaijan.