ArmInfo.The Committee for the Defense of Fundamental Rights of the People of Artsakh issued a
statement.
It notes, in particular, "In furtherance of its statement dated
January 18, 2024, the Committee for the Defense of Fundamental Rights
of the People of Artsakh informs that the initial composition of the
Committee includes the following individuals: Vartan Oskanian,
Foreign Minister of Armenia (1998-2008) Gegham Stepanyan, Human
Rights Defender of Artsakh Karen Bekaryan, Chairman of the Board,
"Insight" Analytical Center for Applied Policy and Research, Armenia
Mario Nalpatian, Member of ANC Central Committee, Argentina Kaspar
Karampetian, President, European Armenian Federation for Justice and
Democracy, Belgium Karnig Kerkonian, International Lawyer, USA.
-The Committee will expand to include additional members,
incorporating also individuals from Russia and the Middle East.
- The primary mission of the Committee is to pursue and defend
Artsakh people's right of collective return under tangible
international protections, ensuring their safe, secure, and dignified
resettlement in their homeland.
- The people of Artsakh have been forcibly displaced from their homes
and lands under the threat of genocide. It is their inherent and
inalienable right to return to their homeland without hindrance and
to continue their normal democratic life, which was interrupted by
military aggression. They should be able to safeguard their language,
cultural, and religious heritage, reclaim their property, organize
their lives, and maintain their distinct identity according to
internationally accepted norms.
- The right of individuals displaced by conflict to return to their
homes voluntarily and safely is recognized as a customary norm of
international humanitarian law and is protected by the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, the International Convention on Civil
and Political Rights, and numerous regional conventions.
- Furthermore, on November 17, 2023, the International Court of
Justice (ICJ) ruled that the Republic of Azerbaijan must ensure the
safe and unhindered return of those who left Nagorno-Karabakh after
September 19, 2023.
- The Committee will engage in multilateral initiatives on
international platforms to advocate, introduce, substantiate, and
champion the interests and rights of the people of Artsakh.
Additionally, the Committee will serve as the representative voice
for the people of Artsakh in dealings with state and political
entities, as well as in international instances, forums, and courts.
- The Committee will undertake sustained efforts with the Artsakh
Armenians, the public in Armenia, and compatriots in the Diaspora,
aiming to unite all available resources, including civil society,
mass media, academic and professional circles, in pursuit of the
aforementioned objectives.
- The Committee anticipates that the authorities of Armenia and all
political forces will show support and a willingness to cooperate.
The Committee is ready to work with anyone and everyone willing to
assume responsibility within the goals pursued by this mandated
Committee," stated in the statement.
