Statement by the Delegation of Armenia - Ms. Syuzanna Martirosyan, Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission, at the Informal Meeting of the Plenary to Hear a Briefing on[...]

Mr. President,

We thank the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Türk, for presenting the Secretary-General's report on Missing Persons and providing insights on the alarming developments in this area.

The report highlights the urgent need for the international community to strengthen mechanisms aimed at determining the fate and whereabouts of missing persons, while ensuring comprehensive support to the affected families, as well as underscores the steps undertaken in this regard. Despite ongoing efforts and commitments, the prevalence of missing persons, including children, and its profound impact on families remains of serious concerns.

Clarifying the fate of missing persons is anchored on the right to truth and is intrinsically linked to the prevention and investigation of arbitrary killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and unlawful detentions, as well as the protection of human rights in the fight against terrorism, including the activities of various actors such as foreign fighters and mercenaries.

Armenia attaches utmost importance to addressing cases of missing persons, particularly in the context of armed conflict. We reiterate our unwavering commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and international human rights law, which are the foundational frameworks for tackling the issue of missing persons. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance in advancing global efforts to prevent such violations.

The role of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) remains indispensable in determining the fate missing persons and protecting the dignity of victims. Armenia believes that cooperation with the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies to ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian personnel is crucial to resolving the issue of missing persons, especially in connection with armed conflict. The contributions of the UN human rights system, including its special procedures and treaty bodies, are equally vital in promoting accountability, safeguarding fundamental rights, and advancing justice for victims and their families.

Mr. President,

The Armenian people have experienced firsthand the immense suffering caused by the unresolved plight of missing persons. Over 800 Armenians remain missing as a result of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict from the 1990s, while hundreds more have gone missing due to conflicts over the past four years.

Despite multiple requests from UN Mandate Holders - including Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions, Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence - Azerbaijan has failed to provide information regarding the fate and whereabouts of the missing and has instead politicized this crucial humanitarian matter.

Against this backdrop, it is regrettable that the representative of Azerbaijan has put forward unfounded allegations against Armenia. We urge Azerbaijan to refrain from engaging in blame games and to focus on signing "the Agreement on Peace and Establishment of Interstate Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan", which addresses all major concerns, including the issue of missing persons. The agreement has already been finalized, and Armenia has proposed initiating discussions to determine the date and venue for its signing.

Political will and active engagement from all parties to the conflict are essential for clarifying the fate of missing persons. Armenia remains resolute in its commitment to cooperation with all relevant parties, recognizing these efforts as fundamental to fostering trust, reconciliation, and lasting peace.

I thank you.