CoE Human Rights Commissioner: Artsakh Armenians should be given the possibility of returning in safety and dignity

Dunja Mijatović, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, published her Observations following her visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan from October 16-23, 2023.

“Armenian and Azerbaijani authorities should ensure focus on human rights protection in their peace talks and establish strong human rights safeguards for all persons affected by the conflict,” she said.

The Commissioner noted that in Stepanakert, following the departure of its population, she witnessed empty streets, abandoned premises and almost no sign of the presence of civilians. Based on what she could hear and see, the Commissioner concluded that at the end of September 2023, Artsakh Armenians found themselves abandoned without any reliable security or protection guarantees by any party, and that, for them, leaving home was the only reasonable option available.

The Commissioner stressed that Artsakh Armenians who fled to Armenia, and in particular those belonging to vulnerable groups, should be guaranteed access to all necessary support in the immediate, medium and long term.

“Council of Europe member states should maintain a focus on providing financial support to ensure that the humanitarian needs of displaced persons and their host populations can be fully met”, she added.

Mijatović stressed that displaced Artsakh Armenians should be given the possibility of returning in safety and dignity – even if it seems hypothetical for most at the moment – including by finding flexible solutions, in particular as concerns their citizenship and legal status.

She also emphasized that the Azerbaijani authorities must ensure that property left behind by Karabakh Armenians is protected from looting, theft or being taken over. The few ethnic Armenians who have stayed in the region should also benefit from all human rights protection, including by having their freedom of movement secured.