Armenians from Artsakh Demand Red Cross to Facilitate Transfer of Their Children's Remains

A group of relatives of servicemen who died in the wars of 2020 and 2023 visited the Armenian office of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) yesterday to voice their concerns to international humanitarian organizations.

Hundreds of remains are currently buried in the brotherly memorial complex in Stepanakert and surrounding areas. Their demand is to take measures for the exhumation and transfer of the remains to Armenia.

Armen Asryan, the president of the union of relatives of soldiers killed and missing in the third Artsakh war, stated in an interview with MediaHub that while the process is difficult, it is not insurmountable.

“Understanding the seriousness of the issue, instead of remaining silent, we have tried to convey our message to the corresponding office in Baku via the Red Cross, so they can inform their country's leadership and all international organizations with the demand to ensure that our children's graves are not desecrated and, secondly, to organize their transfer,” Asryan explained, adding that the union continues to maintain contact with all relatives after the loss of Artsakh.

“Many of them have approached us regarding the organization of exhumations. I cannot remain indifferent, I understand their pain well because my son is also buried in Stepanakert,” he stated.

According to Armen Asryan, the transfer of the remains of those who died during the events in September will be easier, as gravestones have not yet been placed.

“We don’t know what results these meetings will yield, but we will attempt to find solutions,” he added.

Relatives have also planned to arrange meetings with representatives of the Armenian government, the UN mission, and the ICRC office in the near future.