Statement on the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
Baku – Republic of Azerbaijan
20 May 2026
The Association Ma’onah for Human Rights and Immigration (AMHRI) welcomes the “Baku Call to Action” issued during the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), considering it an important international document that calls for strengthening the right to adequate housing, supporting safe and resilient cities, and linking urban development with human rights and sustainable development.
This comes in conjunction with the participation of AMHRI’s delegation in the activities of the World Urban Forum held in Baku under the theme:
“Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,”
as well as its participation in the General Assembly Meeting of the Global South NGOs Platform (GSNP).
The AMHRI delegation was headed by Mr. Aziz Zaid, Vice President of the Association, with the participation of the Association’s Regional Representative, Mr. Aws Mohammed Ali Alaw. The delegation participated in a number of international sessions and meetings addressing urban development, human rights, and the impact of armed conflicts on cities, infrastructure, and essential services.
During the General Assembly Meeting of the Baku Platform, AMHRI delivered a briefing on its international advocacy efforts aimed at protecting civilians and promoting accountability for hostile attacks targeting the Gulf States, Jordan, and Azerbaijan, as well as the impact of armed conflicts on sustainable development and global energy security.
AMHRI also participated in the election of Mr. Fuad Karimli as the new General Coordinator of the Platform and Ms. Nadima Rahimli as Deputy Secretary-General, reaffirming its support for the Platform’s efforts to strengthen the voice of civil society organizations from the Global South within international forums.
The delegation further participated in a field visit to the Nagorno-Karabakh region to observe Azerbaijan’s experience in reconstruction, urban development, and infrastructure rehabilitation.
Within the framework of the World Urban Forum, Mr. Aziz Zaid delivered an oral briefing entitled:
“The Impact of Armed Conflicts on Sustainable Cities and Urban Communities,”
highlighting the humanitarian and developmental consequences of armed conflicts and hostile attacks on cities and civilian infrastructure, while emphasizing the importance of respecting international law and the Charter of the United Nations to protect civilians and achieve sustainable development.
AMHRI considers that the “Baku Call to Action” is consistent with the principles it advocates for, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians, support for displaced persons, promotion of urban justice, prevention of forced evictions, and the building of safer and more sustainable communities.
At the conclusion of its participation, AMHRI extends its sincere congratulations on the success of the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum, which witnessed broad international participation exceeding 57,000 participants, according to the announcement made by the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ms. Amina Mohammed.
The Association also expresses its deep appreciation and gratitude to the Republic of Azerbaijan — its leadership, government, and people — for the excellent organization and warm hospitality, as well as to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Global South NGOs Platform for their efforts in promoting international dialogue and enhancing the participation of civil society organizations from the Global South.
AMHRI reaffirms its commitment to continuing cooperation with international partners and organizations in support of human rights, sustainable development, and the building of more just, secure, and stable societies.
Issued by:
Association Ma’onah for Human Rights and Immigration (AMHRI)
Yemen & New York – United States of America
