Promoting Stability: Enshrining the Right to Return to Nagorno Karabakh

Guarantee Right to Return to Nagorno Karabakh After Traumatic Massive Exodus, Focus Talks with Azerbaijan on Rights

Introduction

The recent conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh has led to a massive exodus of ethnic Armenians from the region. More than 100,000 people, almost the entire population of Nagorno-Karabakh, have fled their homes in fear and panic. As talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia continue, it is crucial that concrete commitments are secured to protect the rights of ethnic Armenians and ensure their right to return to their homeland. The international community must play an integral role in monitoring the situation and holding Azerbaijan accountable for any human rights violations that undermine the right to return.

The Right to Return and Human Rights

The right to return is a fundamental human right that is enshrined in international law. People have the right to return to their homes and communities after being displaced by conflict or other circumstances. In the case of Nagorno-Karabakh, the right to return is of utmost importance, as the region has been the subject of a long-standing territorial dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Azerbaijan’s partners, as well as the international community, must emphasize the need for commitment to international rights monitoring and a comprehensive rights-compliant vision for the region. This will create an environment that fosters trust and encourages people to return to Nagorno-Karabakh. The fear and lack of trust that currently permeate the region make it essential for a sustained international presence to ensure that the right to return is meaningful and not merely theoretical.

The Role of External Actors

The European Council President, Charles Michel, has been facilitating talks between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. However, Aliyev’s withdrawal from the recent talks is a setback to the peace process. European leaders, as well as the United States and other mediators, must redouble their efforts to emphasize the specific steps that Azerbaijan needs to take to facilitate the right to return.

Azerbaijan’s partners should send a clear message to the country’s leadership that they will not accept hollow rhetoric and half-hearted measures when it comes to the right to return. Concrete actions, such as allowing short-term visits for individuals to collect their belongings and deal with their property, as well as addressing the issue of compensation for those who choose not to return permanently, are necessary.

Protecting Rights Upon Return

It is crucial that upon their return, ethnic Armenians are provided with the necessary support and guarantees to rebuild their lives in Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan should ensure access to education in the Armenian language, protect their property from looting or harm, and provide clear guidelines on resuming residency and accessing social security entitlements.

Future arrangements should also aim for an ethnic balance in policing and local governance structures to ensure the full inclusion and protection of ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan must refrain from prosecuting individuals for their involvement in past hostilities, consistent with international humanitarian law.

Conclusion

The recent exodus of ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh is a tragedy that must not be compounded by long-term injustice. The international community, including Azerbaijan’s partners, must ensure that concrete commitments are secured to guarantee the right to return for those who wish to do so.

The right to return is a fundamental human right that must be respected and protected. It is imperative that Azerbaijan’s plan for reintegration of the region and its residents includes a comprehensive vision that upholds human rights, particularly the rights of ethnic minorities.

The international community must play a role in monitoring the situation and holding Azerbaijan accountable for any human rights violations. Only through sustained international presence and commitment can the right to return be meaningful and ensure the rights and well-being of ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.

NagornoKarabakh–wordpress,stability,promoting,enshrining,righttoreturn,NagornoKarabakh