Armenia Presents Consequences of Azerbaijan's Aggression Against Artsakh at the UN

From June 21 to July 14, 2021, the 47th session of the UN Human Rights Council took place in Geneva. During the session, Armenia’s Permanent Representative made 37 statements, highlighting the steps taken towards the commitment to human rights and the rule of law in Armenia. Topics discussed included women's rights, combatting discrimination, racism, xenophobia and intolerance, combating extrajudicial and arbitrary executions, freedom of speech and assembly, climate change, the right to education, trafficking, internally displaced persons and migrants, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During discussions with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, the Armenian representative highlighted the country's contributions to the international community's efforts in this area. The participation of the special advisor in the session was anchored by the resolution 43/29 on the Prevention of Genocide, authored by Armenia and adopted by the Council last year.

Business and human rights protection were also on the agenda, marking the 10th anniversary of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. In anticipation of the Tokyo Olympics, a panel discussion was held under the theme “The Promotion of Human Rights through Sport and Olympic Ideals.” The Council also addressed the human rights situation in specific countries.

Throughout the session, the Armenian representative extensively covered and drew the attention of UN member states and relevant bodies to the consequences of Azerbaijan's aggression against Artsakh, the war crimes committed, and gross violations of the international human rights treaty system and international humanitarian law. Reports were presented on the theatrical trials based on fabricated charges against Armenian prisoners of war and abducted civilians, the destruction of Armenian cultural and religious heritage, and the systematic racist propaganda against Armenians at the highest state level in Azerbaijan, including the recently launched so-called “Strategist's Park.”

It was emphasized that Azerbaijan disregards the decisions of international courts, as well as the calls and clear inquiries from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UN special procedures, which remain unanswered. It was also noted that the lack of an adequate international response to Azerbaijan’s militaristic policy has resulted in its claims and encroachments on the sovereign territory of Armenia.

In addition to speeches on the aforementioned issues, Armenia’s Permanent Representative also disseminated several submissions. During discussions with UN human rights special procedures and investigative mechanisms, the Armenian delegation addressed the involvement of armed terrorists and mercenaries by Azerbaijan with the support of Turkey in the war against the people of Artsakh. Armenia asserted that these facts, obtained from numerous sources and officially confirmed by several states, should be thoroughly investigated internationally.

During the 47th session of the Council, Armenia co-authored several important resolutions, including those on the involvement of civil society, combating violence against girls and women with disabilities, the right to education, the impact of corruption on human rights, and the protection of human rights in the context of the development of digital technologies and the internet.

The next, 48th regular session of the Human Rights Council will take place from September 13 to October 1, 2021.