Relatives of Armenian Prisoners Request Recourse to the Swiss Government

The relatives and representatives of Armenian prisoners illegally held in Azerbaijan have sent a letter to the Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan, the head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis, and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, requesting the activation of the 'Protecting Power' mechanism within the framework of international humanitarian law.

This was reported by the 'Center for International and Comparative Law', led by Siranuhi Sahakyan, who represents the interests of Armenian prisoners at the European Court of Human Rights.

‘We, as relatives and representatives of Armenian prisoners illegally held in Azerbaijan, express our deep concern regarding the complete closure of the ICRC office in Azerbaijan. This has significantly worsened the already critical situation of our loved ones, leaving us in profound uncertainty about their fate and conditions,’ the letter states.

Taking the above into account and reminding that international humanitarian law imposes certain obligations, we respectfully but steadfastly call upon Armenia to formally appeal to the Swiss government so that the Swiss side can assume the role of the 'Protecting Power'. This is a necessary and urgent step to ensure the protection of the rights, security, and dignity of our loved ones through internationally recognized mechanisms.

We understand that the institution of 'Protecting Power' has not been applied in recent decades and may seem unusual in current conditions, but the exceptional and illegal situation we are facing demands such extraordinary measures.

Azerbaijan continues to isolate Armenian prisoners from their families, legal representatives, and humanitarian organizations, which constitutes a gross violation of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions of 1949,’ the letter emphasizes.

It is noted that at least 19 individuals are currently being held in Baku, and their relatives report that this situation has resulted in serious gaps in legal protection, creating high risks of violence, mistreatment, and even forced disappearances.