"Babon Tera" initiative urges UN to address Armenian POWs issue

PanARMENIAN.Net - The "Babon Tera" women's initiative has sent an open letter to Ilze Brands Kehris, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, as well as Marta Temido, a Member of the European Parliament, and Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament.

The letter states:

"On behalf of thousands of Armenian women, we address this letter to you. We extend our congratulations on International Women’s Day, March 8. Your achievements and contributions to human rights protection, particularly in your role as the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, demonstrate your dedication and exceptional leadership qualities.

On this significant occasion for women worldwide, we turn to you, confident that as a female leader at the highest level of human rights advocacy within the UN, you can play a crucial role in determining the fate of Armenian prisoners. Today, while the world celebrates women's rights and achievements, hundreds of Armenian mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters cannot join in the festivities. They are waiting for the return of their loved ones, who remain in captivity in Azerbaijan.

We seek your support and action. As the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, you have the unique authority and leverage to influence this situation. Your voice, attention, and concrete actions can save lives and reunite families.

We urge you to:

• Raise the issue of Armenian prisoners in UN forums, including the Human Rights Council and the Security Council.
• Support UN-led international monitoring missions to visit Azerbaijani prisons where Armenian detainees are held.
• Advocate for accountability measures against human rights violations in Azerbaijan.
• Use your position to facilitate negotiations ensuring the immediate return of all prisoners.

We are not asking for words or abstract statements. We demand concrete actions. This year, instead of celebrating, we have chosen to raise our voices. We call on you to join us in this critical fight. Our prisoners’ lives are counted not in days, but in minutes. Please act now."

*The Armenian Foreign Ministry has issued a statement emphasizing its ongoing efforts to draw international attention to the plight of Armenian prisoners of war, hostages, and detainees held in Azerbaijan. The ministry also highlighted the gross procedural violations and signs of severe torture in the staged trials against some of them.

Human rights activist Siranush Sahakyan has revealed that recent photographs of former Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan show visible injuries on his body. Vardanyan has been on a hunger strike for a week. His health deteriorated sharply during a recent court session, and photos taken during the hearing revealed facial injuries. Despite this, the court forced him to attend the proceedings. His international lawyer provided further details about his condition, warning of serious risks to his life.*