Armenia Calls Out Azerbaijan’s Crimes at the UN: 23 Armenians Still Unlawfully Detained and Tortured in Baku

Armenia’s voice at the United Nations has once again exposed Azerbaijan’s ongoing violations of human rights and international law. During the 80th session of the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, Armenia’s Permanent Representative drew attention to the alarming situation of 23 Armenians who remain unlawfully detained in Baku, Azerbaijan, under harsh and degrading conditions.

In a statement, Armenia’s mission strongly condemned the politically motivated use of torture and arbitrary detention by Azerbaijan. The representative stressed that these acts are not isolated incidents, but part of a broader pattern of abuse targeting Armenians, including former residents of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), following Azerbaijan’s military takeover of the region.

The Permanent Mission of Armenia reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the universal elimination of torture and all forms of inhuman or degrading treatment. “Serious concern was expressed that in certain countries, credible reports of torture continue to be recorded in detention facilities and in the context of armed conflicts—often driven by political motives—constituting a clear violation of international law,” the statement reads.

This shows the growing frustration over the international community’s silence and lack of concrete action regarding the prisoners held in Azerbaijan. Despite repeated calls by human rights groups and international organizations, Baku continues to ignore its obligations under international humanitarian law.

The Armenian statement also shows the findings of the UN Committee against Torture, which recently expressed deep concern about the ongoing detention of these 23 Armenians. “These concerns remain relevant, as the situation continues to endanger the rights, safety, and dignity of the victims, particularly in light of the absence of involvement by international bodies, including the International Committee of the Red Cross,” the statement says.

Azerbaijan’s refusal to allow international observers, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, access to the detainees raises serious questions about what is being hidden from the world. Reports from previous detainees and evidence presented by human rights defenders have shown that Armenians held in Azerbaijani prisons face physical abuse, psychological torture, and public humiliation. These acts clearly violate the Geneva Conventions and fundamental human rights principles.

The 23 Armenians held in Baku are believed to include both captured servicemen and civilians taken during or after Azerbaijan’s military aggression against Artsakh in 2020 and 2023. Their continued imprisonment is not just a humanitarian concern, but a political tool used by Azerbaijan to pressure Armenia and the displaced people of Artsakh.

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