New partnership to advance justice and advocate for human rights

The International and Comparative Law Center – Armenia (I.C. Law Center) and the Hitik Law Pro Bono Human Rights Program (Hitik Law PBHR) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a strategic partnership to advance justice, accountability, and the protection of rights for victims of atrocity crimes arising from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

This partnership marks a significant development in the international community’s efforts to address grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and to promote accountability and reparations for victims of mass displacement and related crimes. Through this collaboration, the two organizations will consolidate their expertise to strengthen legal mechanisms for redress, ensure the systematic documentation of violations, and amplify victims’ voices in international legal fora.

“This partnership reinforces our unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims and ensuring accountability for violations of international law,” said Ms. Siranush Sahakyan, President of I.C. Law Center. “By combining our expertise and resources, we can more effectively advocate for those whose rights have been violated and work toward meaningful legal remedies.”

Strategic Areas of Cooperation

Under the MOU, I.C. Law Center and Hitik Law PBHR will collaborate in several key areas:

Documentation and Legal Analysis: Joint documentation, verification, and analysis of evidence of serious violations of international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and other peremptory norms arising from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and ensuing displacement.

Victim Representation and Legal Remedies: Where appropriate, joint representation of victims of atrocity crimes before national, regional, and international mechanisms, with the objective of securing accountability, reparations, and guarantees of non-repetition.

Strategic Litigation and International Advocacy: Coordinated litigation and advocacy before courts, tribunals, treaty-monitoring bodies, and intergovernmental organizations to reinforce the international legal framework protecting victims of mass atrocities.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange: Professional exchanges, training initiatives, and research collaboration in international humanitarian law, human rights law, and transitional justice to strengthen institutional capacity and promote rule-of-law development.

“This collaboration underscores the vital role of international legal partnerships in addressing complex cross-border human rights challenges,” said Ms. Talin A. Hitik, Principal Attorney of the Hitik Law Pro Bono Human Rights Program. “Together with I.C. Law Center, we aim to ensure that victims’ experiences are recognized, their rights vindicated, and justice meaningfully pursued through established international legal mechanisms.”

The MOU reflects both organizations’ shared conviction that accountability for atrocity crimes requires sustained cooperation grounded in international law, solidarity with victims, and an enduring commitment to justice and the rule of law.