German Armenians and human rights groups urge Chancellor Merz to address key issues in meeting with Pashinyan

A number of human rights organizations and the Central Council of Armenians in Germany have jointly appealed to the Chancellor of Germany, urging him not to ignore fundamental issues during his meeting with the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan.

“In connection with your planned meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, we would like once again to express our deep concern and hope that the most pressing issues of human rights and the humanitarian situation in the region will not be sidelined, but will receive equal attention alongside other political and economic agenda matters.

In this context, we also highlight our joint statement published on August 21, 2025, by six human rights organizations. In that statement, we addressed the German Foreign Minister, stressing the need for a just and sustainable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. A crucial step in the peace process is the immediate release of Armenian prisoners of war and civilians unlawfully held by Azerbaijan, as well as the release of former representatives of the Artsakh government. This step remains a necessary condition for launching a reliable and lasting peace process.

At the same time, it is vital to ensure that the conditions of detention of Armenian prisoners comply with international standards and conventional obligations. Particular concern is raised by the case of Vicken Euljekjian, who upon return to his homeland was transferred to Baku prison in critical condition. According to his family, Azerbaijan denied him necessary medical care for several months, putting his life in serious danger.

It is deeply concerning that the Armenian authorities are insufficiently and inconsistently protecting the rights of Armenians held in Azerbaijan, and are failing to defend the fundamental legal, social, and political interests of forcibly displaced persons, despite the mass violations committed against them,” the statement reads.