Yerevan, July 1 – A new system will be established to enable citizens of Armenia and Azerbaijan to provide confidential information about missing persons, including details on potential burial sites. This was announced by Sharafat Hasanov, Deputy Head of the State Security Service of Azerbaijan, during an international conference titled “Modern Approaches to Solving the Issue of Missing Persons and Strengthening Cooperation,” held in collaboration with the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP).
ICMP Data Management System to Expedite Information Exchange
According to Hasanov, the ICMP’s Missing Persons Data Management System (IDMS) will integrate existing databases on missing persons into a single platform. This will allow relevant state bodies to simultaneously input and process data, thereby accelerating information retrieval and decision-making. The system aims to streamline efforts to locate and identify missing individuals from both nations.
Technical Implementation and Access Control
To facilitate the deployment and operation of the IDMS, two ICMP specialists visited Azerbaijan in early June. They installed the software and conducted necessary training for authorized personnel. Hasanov confirmed that the system will be hosted on servers located in Azerbaijan, with access restricted to trained and authorized employees only, ensuring data security and integrity.
Humanitarian Focus and Protection for Informants
Hasanov emphasized that the information provided through this confidential system will be used exclusively for humanitarian purposes. Crucially, individuals who submit information will not face any liability, ensuring a safe environment for sharing sensitive data. This guarantee is intended to encourage greater participation from citizens who may possess vital clues regarding the whereabouts of missing persons.
Addressing a Long-Standing Humanitarian Issue
The initiative underscores a joint commitment to resolving the long-standing humanitarian issue of missing persons, a painful legacy for many families in both Armenia and Azerbaijan. The confidential mechanism is expected to play a significant role in bringing closure to those who have been searching for their loved ones for years.
Context of Ongoing Dialogue and Related Issues
This development comes amidst broader discussions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including ongoing accusations from Baku towards Armenia regarding various issues. The establishment of this humanitarian system represents a step towards cooperation on sensitive matters, despite existing political tensions. Earlier reports indicate that the Human Rights Defender has met with relatives of missing persons, highlighting the pressing need for such mechanisms.
Furthermore, discussions around this topic have been ongoing, with Azerbaijan previously reporting only six missing persons from the 44-day war. The new system aims to provide a more comprehensive approach to gathering information, irrespective of the conflict’s timeline or specific events.
Related Initiatives and Future Outlook
The implementation of this system aligns with other efforts to address human rights and legal matters in the region. Recent legislative changes in Armenia, such as the designation of the National Security Service as the authorized body for missing persons, underscore the increasing focus on this issue. The hope is that this new confidential information exchange system will contribute significantly to resolving the cases of missing persons and fostering greater trust and transparency between the two nations.
Source: pastinfo.am
