Following the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the World Council of Churches (WCC) issued a statement demanding the immediate release of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan.
"The World Council of Churches expresses deep concern over the continued illegal detention of Armenian prisoners. The capture and holding of people as hostages is a gross violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Convention," the statement said.Aysor.
am It is stated that from November 2020 to October 2023, Azerbaijan seized at least 23 Armenian citizens without any legal grounds. Among them were civilians, as well as former and current officials and military personnel.
"Many of them, as documented by human rights organizations, were subjected to torture and humiliating treatment."
The WCC once again demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all illegally detained persons. "Prolonged detention in violation of legal protection undermines efforts to establish lasting peace and reconciliation in the region," the statement said.
The Council also called on the UN Human Rights Council to use all possible mechanisms to facilitate the release of Armenian prisoners. At the same time, an appeal was made to all parties to the conflict to fully comply with their obligations under international law.
"The World Council of Churches expresses solidarity with the Armenian Church and people, as well as with all those affected, and reaffirms its commitment to justice and peace," the statement said.
Mike Waltz, National Security Adviser to the President of the United States, said that in a conversation with Hikmet Hajiyev, he pointed out the need to release the prisoners and finalize a peace treaty with Armenia.