Azerbaijan Once Again Attempts to Elevate Itself Above International Law

Since September 27, Azerbaijan's large-scale military offensive against the Republic of Artsakh has been accompanied by violations of the laws and customs applicable in armed conflicts. This is stated in a message released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh.

“In particular, during the aggression against the Republic of Artsakh, the armed forces of Azerbaijan have been deliberately attacking civilian objects that are not military targets, employing prohibited methods and means of warfare that can cause excessive damage or unnecessary suffering, and also using types of weapons of indiscriminate nature. As a result of Azerbaijan's criminal actions, there are casualties and injuries among the peaceful population of Artsakh. There are serious concerns regarding the information that Turkey is recruiting mercenaries from the Middle East to participate in military operations alongside Azerbaijan. Such actions by Azerbaijan constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law, in particular, the Geneva Conventions concerning the protection of civilian populations in times of war, and are considered war crimes. It should be noted that both the Republic of Artsakh (since January 26, 1993) and Azerbaijan are parties to this Convention.

Azerbaijan's latest aggression against the Republic of Artsakh should be viewed in the context of widespread and systematic attacks directed against the civilian Armenian population, which have been carried out by Azerbaijan during both peacetime and wartime since the beginning of the Armenian national liberation movement. The massacres of the Armenian population in Sumgait, Baku, and other cities of Azerbaijan, the forced displacement of the entire Armenian population from Azerbaijan in both 1990 and during the April 2016 war against Artsakh, the ongoing violations of the fundamental rights of citizens of the Republic of Artsakh, and the obstruction of their inviolable rights can only be regarded as crimes against humanity.

The Azerbaijani side is once again attempting to place itself above international law. At the same time, Azerbaijan's illegal acts are becoming increasingly threatening to the civilian population in particular, and to regional peace and security in general, in violation of the UN Charter. It is within this context that the statements of representatives of international organizations regarding the urgent necessity to cease military operations should be viewed. Statements by political and public figures from various countries concerning the need to hold Azerbaijan accountable deserve special attention. We are convinced that this is the most effective mechanism for ensuring Azerbaijan's compliance with its obligations as a member of the international community and for preventing its future intentions to commit international illegal acts. Among the tools available to the international community aimed at maintaining regional peace and security, the international recognition of Artsakh is the most effective means. Providing the Republic of Artsakh with international legal subjectivity will not only enhance the military measures aimed at ensuring the security of the republic but also augment the legal mechanisms for protecting the fundamental rights of its citizens.