Report to the UN Committee against Torture on racial discrimination against Armenians by Azerbaijan
  • March 19, 2024

Report to the UN Committee against Torture on racial discrimination against Armenians by Azerbaijan

"International and Comparative Law Center" NGO ("I.C.Law"), "Center for Law and Justice "Tatoyan" Foundation", "Arbane" Foundation and "Union for the Protection of the Interests and Rights of Artsakh People" NGO published a joint report entitled "Violations by Azerbaijan of the Convention against Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in the context of racial and ethnic discrimination against Armenians."

On March 18, the report was submitted to the UN Committee against Torture in response to Azerbaijan's 5th periodic report, which the latter also submitted to the Committee for the 79th session to be held from April 15 to May 10.

The report addresses the tortures committed by Azerbaijan against Armenian military personnel and civilians from 2016 to 2019.

The incidents discussed in this report reveal a systematic pattern of practices adopted by Azerbaijan that specifically target persons of Armenian national and ethnic origin. Recorded cases show that beheading of soldiers and civilians is a widespread method of inflicting mental suffering on both those directly affected and their families.

Moreover, the failure to follow and investigate the usual provisions, as well as the failure to punish the possible perpetrators of torture, increases the level of impunity among the Azerbaijani military forces and society. In addition, the report refers to the praise and rewards given to criminals by high-ranking officials in Azerbaijan. It is an action that has fueled hatred towards Armenian citizens and guaranteed to avoid criminal responsibility.

Full report: "Azerbaijan’s Violations of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment within the context of Racial/Ethnic Discrimination towards Armenians".