The Western Azerbaijan Community has voiced its profound discontent with Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s High Commissioner for Human Rights. They accuse him of demonstrating a biased perspective in his interactions with Armenian deputies within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. They argue that his neglect of the return of Western Azerbaijanis to their ancestral homeland in Armenia amidst discussions on Armenian returns to Azerbaijan reflects a troubling one-sidedness.
In their statement, the Community declares, “It is unacceptable that the High Commissioner addresses the issue of the return of Armenians to Azerbaijan and does not mention the return of Western Azerbaijanis to their ancestral homeland in Armenia.” They urge O’Flaherty to abandon what they describe as a deeply entrenched double standards approach within Western human rights entities.
Additionally, they criticise O’Flaherty for his silence regarding justice for Azerbaijani victims, especially with ongoing trials in Baku. The Community implores the High Commissioner to direct his attention to Armenia and prosecute those accountable for war crimes, including the notorious Aghdaban massacre that took place three decades ago.
Moreover, they call for accountability from former Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrosyan for his controversial remarks on the mass expulsion of Azerbaijanis. They suggest a visit to Armenia would allow the Commissioner to witness the state of Azerbaijani cultural and religious heritage, which has suffered neglect, and to investigate the anti-Azerbaijani sentiment prevalent in the nation’s media and public rhetoric.
The Western Azerbaijan Community has condemned the Council of Europe High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, accusing him of bias in discussions regarding Armenian returns to Azerbaijan while ignoring the plight of Western Azerbaijanis. They demand accountability for Azerbaijani victimization, stronger calls for Armenian war crime prosecutions, and a visit from O’Flaherty to assess the situation of Azerbaijani heritage in Armenia.
The Western Azerbaijan Community’s criticism of Michael O’Flaherty underscores their demand for a more balanced and accountability-driven approach to human rights. They urge recognition of both the plight of returning Western Azerbaijanis and justice for victims of past conflicts. The call for transparency also highlights the ongoing sensitivities surrounding historical grievances and the need for impartial dialogue in post-conflict reconciliation.
Original Source: www.azernews.az
