UN Statement on Armenian Prisoners of War

UN human rights experts have issued a call urging the immediate release of all prisoners of war and others detained as a result of the recent conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. The statement was published on the UN website.

“All those deprived of their freedom due to the conflict must return to their homes in accordance with the ceasefire agreement signed on November 9, 2020,” the statement reads.

According to UN experts, the remains of the deceased must also be returned to their families for proper burials.

“Failing to provide information about the fate and whereabouts of the missing, and refusing to hand over the remains of the deceased, is unacceptable and signifies a failure to uphold the responsibilities undertaken by Armenia and Azerbaijan,” the statement highlights.

The UN is also concerned about reports that prisoners have been subjected to torture and ill-treatment, as well as killings. Experts are addressing both sides without specifying which side has subjected the prisoners to torture.

“We call on the authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan to conduct a thorough, prompt, independent, and impartial investigation into allegations of serious human rights violations committed during the conflict and hold accountable the perpetrators while providing reparations to the victims,” the statement emphasizes.

It was noted that the experts will continue to cooperate with the authorities of both countries and monitor the situation.

According to the report of the Human Rights Defender of Artsakh, during the period from September 27 to December 22, 2020, 60 civilians were killed by the Azerbaijani armed forces, including 39 due to targeted strikes and 21 during abduction situations. Cases of torture and mutilation of bodies, as well as numerous cases leading to unavoidable civilian deaths caused by targeted strikes, have been documented. The Human Rights Defender also recorded 163 cases of injuries to civilians, a significant portion of which occurred due to strikes that resulted in the deaths of others.