FM: Azerbaijan violates human rights with arbitrary detentions

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, speaking at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, criticized Azerbaijan for continuing to question Armenia’s territorial integrity. He noted that despite mutual recognition of territorial integrity under the 1991 Almaty Declaration, Baku pursues policies contradicting these commitments. Many challenges he highlighted last year remain unresolved, despite extensive efforts.

Mirzoyan specifically addressed Baku’s trials against former Artsakh political and military leaders, calling them fake.

“At this moment, Azerbaijan is holding fake trials against 23 Armenian individuals who are arbitrarily detained, ignoring fundamental human rights standards necessary for a fair trial,” he stated.

The minister recalled that a year ago, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights informed the Council that their office had sent two missions to Armenia to assess the situation of over 115,000 ethnic Armenians.

“We firmly believe the findings of this mission will contribute significantly to reconciliation efforts.

Armenia remains committed to regional peace and stability, having made several constructive proposals to Azerbaijan. These include a Peace Treaty, reopening transport infrastructure, mutual arms control, and verification mechanisms. We see the necessity of a strategic agreement addressing all key issues. Constructive responses, further engagement, and political will from both sides will greatly contribute to opening a new era of peace in our region. In this context, I reaffirm Armenia’s readiness to turn the page on hostility and institutionalize peace. Not only are we ready, but we will stay on this course,” Mirzoyan stated.

He also emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the UN human rights system, given the global challenges of forced displacement, armed conflicts, and fundamental rights violations.

“The scale and severity of atrocities and gross violations, as well as our collective failure to prevent them and ensure accountability, endanger the very foundations on which the UN and its human rights system were built. The role and visibility of the human rights system have grown significantly in these circumstances. Increasing numbers of people, civil society organizations, and stakeholders are engaging with the Human Rights Council, referring to its Special Procedures and treaty bodies. This underscores that the human rights pillar remains a source of hope and justice for millions worldwide,” Mirzoyan concluded.