Committee for Defense of Fundamental Rights of People of Artsakh  issues statement

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.