ArmInfo. Immediate steps must be taken to stop Azerbaijan's violations of the rights of Armenian prisoners of war, as provided for in the Geneva Convention, reads a statement by the Committee for the Protection of Fundamental Rights of the People of Artsakh.
The statement notes that the Committee for the Protection of Fundamental Rights of the People of Artsakh is seriously concerned about recent reports detailing gross violations of the rights of Armenian prisoners of war by Azerbaijan. In particular, in relation to the fundamental principle of the right to be free from public curiosity, enshrined in the Third Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
"These actions are not only morally reprehensible, but also directly contrary to international humanitarian law.
Article 13 of the Third Geneva Convention expressly prohibits public scrutiny of prisoners of war. The public broadcast of videos depicting prisoners of war in Azerbaijan, according to this convention, is a gross violation of their right to privacy and dignity. Article 27 of the Fourth Geneva Convention similarly prohibits such public demonstrations against civilians. Moreover, these actions violate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms the right to privacy and protection from arbitrary interference with family, home or correspondence," the Committee emphasized.
It is emphasized that Azerbaijan's broadcast of staged interviews with Armenian prisoners of war and hostages is a direct violation of their rights and worsens their already difficult situation.
"Such manipulative tactics by Azerbaijan serve to undermine the integrity of international humanitarian law and must be unequivocally condemned by the international community.
In light of these egregious violations, we call on government officials and human rights organizations to take action to prevent the future broadcast of videos or interviews with prisoners of war and hostages. This includes using diplomatic channels, applying sanctions where necessary, and public shaming to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its actions.
We strongly emphasize that allowing any rebroadcast of such videos by other States Parties is not only a flagrant violation of the Third and Fourth Geneva Conventions, but also a reprehensible disregard for the basic principles of humanitarian law," the Committee added.
"In addition, we demand that international humanitarian organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, immediately and unimpededly gain access to all places of detention of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages. This is important for the proper treatment of these individuals, as provided for by the Geneva Conventions and other applicable international human rights treaties.
We are ready to work with the international community to eliminate violations and ensure the protection of the rights of all those affected by the conflict. We call on all government officials and international organizations to continue demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenians held in illegal Azerbaijani captivity," the Committee concluded.
The Committee for the Protection of Fundamental Rights of the People of Artsakh was created and authorized by a decision of the Artsakh Parliament of December 2, 2023.