Human Rights Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty, during a session with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), highlighted the precarious situation of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, urging that it be treated as a top priority. Responding to Armenian MP Armen Gevorgyan’s concerns over human rights violations, O’Flaherty mentioned his ongoing dialogues with the Azerbaijani government, expressing his commitment to visit the country to address these pressing issues.
O’Flaherty affirmed his determination to meet with both governments, assuring Gevorgyan of his intent to not neglect the matter. He stressed the need to uphold everyone’s human rights in the region, especially for those wishing to return to Nagorno-Karabakh, while also encouraging a warm reception for those relocating from the area.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijani media, including Azernews, responded negatively to O’Flaherty’s comments, which they perceived to ignore the return of Azerbaijanis to their ancestral lands in Armenia, a notion rooted in a historically irredentist stance by Azerbaijani authorities. The Western Azerbaijan Community issued a statement challenging O’Flaherty’s remarks and highlighting perceived double standards in human rights discussions regarding ethnic groups.
Azerbaijan has officially acknowledged holding 23 Armenian prisoners, comprising former officials from the Nagorno-Karabakh region. In contrast, Armenia has raised concerns about allegations of torture faced by these prisoners, backed by photo evidence.
Human Rights Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty highlighted the urgent need to address the situation of Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan during a session with PACE. Despite challenges and criticism from Azerbaijani media, he remains committed to visiting Azerbaijan to engage on human rights issues. Currently, Azerbaijan holds 23 Armenian prisoners amid allegations of torture by Armenia.
The plight of Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan remains a critical concern raised by Human Rights Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty, who emphasised the urgency of addressing their situation. His commitment to engage with both sides indicates a proactive approach to the ongoing human rights issues in the region. The dialogue surrounding refugees and prisoners underscores the complexities of humanitarian crises amidst historical tensions, calling for a continued focus on justice for all involved.
Original Source: oc-media.org
