Red Cross to continue dialogue with Azerbaijan on humanitarian matters

The Red Cross has stated its intention to continue dialogue with Azerbaijan on humanitarian matters, despite the closure of its office there in September 2025. Zara Amatuni, Head of Communication and Prevention Programs at the ICRC delegation in Armenia, stressed that the organization remains focused on issues relating to the conditions of detention and the treatment of prisoners.

According to her, in December representatives from ICRC headquarters in Geneva visited individuals detained in connection with the conflict, as reported by the Azerbaijani authorities. The group included a doctor who assessed the health of the detainees and coordinated medical matters. Delegates met with the prisoners in person, gave them the opportunity to contact their families, and documented the conditions of detention. All recommendations are passed exclusively to the relevant authorities and are not made public.

Amatuni reminded that the Red Cross is a neutral humanitarian organization that does not participate in legal proceedings or provide legal assistance. Its purpose is strictly humanitarian: to monitor conditions of detention and ensure compliance with the Geneva Conventions.

The ICRC will continue to cooperate with the authorities of both Azerbaijan and Armenia in order to assist individuals protected under international humanitarian law.