World Council of Churches calls on UN Human Rights Council to take all available measures to release Armenian PoWs

ArmInfo. The World Council of Churches (WCC) has called on the UN Human Rights Council to take all available measures to release Armenian prisoners of war detained in Azerbaijan.

According to a message received by ArmInfo, the WCC made this demand at the 58th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council. The Council's statement  notes that from November 2020 to October 2023, Azerbaijan illegally captured at least 23 Armenians, including  civilians, former and current military political leadership of Artsakh. The WCC also noted that many of these people, as documented by human rights organizations, have been subjected to torture and degrading treatment.

"The World Council of Churches expresses deep concern over the continued unlawful detention of Armenian individuals by Azerbaijan. The taking and holding of hostages violate fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Convention," the statement emphasized.

During the event, the council also urged all parties to fulfill their legal obligations under international law.  "We reaffirm that all persons illegally detained must be immediately and unconditionally released. The prolonged detention of individuals in violation of due process and legal protections undermines efforts  for sustainable peace and reconciliation in the region. The World Council of Churches continues to stand in solidarity with the Armenian Church and people, and  all those affected by this situation, and reaffirms its commitment to justice and peace," the WCC concluded.