On March 18, a critical dialogue took place at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, focusing on “Human Rights in Azerbaijan: The Trials and Detention of Ethnic Armenians.” Esteemed speakers, including Siranush Sahakyan, Philippe Kalfayan, and Arpi Avetisyan, all called for the immediate and unconditional release of Armenian prisoners, highlighting the dire human rights situation facing these individuals.
Currently, only the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is permitted to visit Armenian hostages in Baku, leaving them vulnerable should the ICRC withdraw. Sahakyan warned that Azerbaijan’s potential closure of ICRC operations would severely jeopardise the safety of these prisoners, suggesting they could face exploitation as political pawns. Moreover, the ICRC serves a vital role in facilitating contact between detainees and their families, further accentuating its importance.
Families of detainees provide another vital source of information. Arpi Avetisyan revealed alarming details about Ruben Vardanyan, who reportedly faces isolation and deprival of medical care in custody. Despite claims from Azerbaijani authorities regarding oversight by their Human Rights Commissioner, these assertions lack credibility due to the absence of independent verification, with the Council of Europe denied access for inspections.
Among the 23 Armenian hostages in Baku, 16 have been subjected to trials rife with human rights infringements. Sahakyan emphasised the compromised nature of Azerbaijan’s judicial system, where corruption and executive control render it unable to ensure fair proceedings, especially against ethnic Armenians. “Impartial decisions are virtually impossible under such circumstances,” she stated.
Philippe Kalfayan underscored that those being persecuted represent resilience; their refusal to capitulate to Azerbaijani authority mirrors a commitment to the Republic of Artsakh. As such, their prosecutions serve broader political objectives. The discussion at the UN was collaboratively organised by the European Centre for Law and Justice and Christian Solidarity International, underlining a unified appeal against ongoing injustices.
A UN Human Rights Council session on March 18 addressed the situation of Armenian captives in Azerbaijan, urging their immediate release. Key figures highlighted the essential role of the ICRC and raised concerns about human rights abuses and the independence of the judiciary in Azerbaijan. The discussion noted that the trials faced by the Armenian detainees reflect deeper political strife.
The unfolding plight of Armenian captives in Azerbaijan was highlighted during a UN Human Rights Council session, where experts called for their immediate release. The role of the ICRC is paramount, being the sole organisation allowed visits to these detainees. Concerns over the judiciary’s corruptibility and ongoing human rights violations paint a troubling picture for the Armenian prisoners, who are tragically used as tools in a larger political game. The session called not just for awareness but urgent action.
Original Source: asbarez.com
