`Time is of the essence.` Relatives of Armenian detainees held in  Azerbaijan call for activation of Protecting Power mechanism 

ArmInfo.  Relatives and representatives of Armenian detainees unlawfully held in Azerbaijan have sent a letter to Armenia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ararat  Mirzoyan; the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of  the Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis; and the President of the  International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger,  requesting the activation of the Protecting Power mechanism within  the framework of international humanitarian law. This was reported by  the "Center for International and Comparative Law," headed by  Siranush Sahakyan, the representative of Armenian prisoners of war at  the European Court of Human Rights.

"We, the undersigned relatives and representatives of Armenian  captives currently being unlawfully held in Azerbaijan, express our  deepest concern following the complete closure of the International  Committee of the Red Cross office in the Republic of Azerbaijan. This  development has gravely exacerbated the already dire situation of our  relatives, leaving us in a state of profound uncertainty regarding  their fate and wellbeing.

Considering these circumstances and recalling the obligations set  forth under international humanitarian law, we respectfully but  firmly urge the Government of Armenia to extend a formal invitation  to the Government of the Swiss Confederation to assume the role of  Protecting Power. Such an intervention is both necessary and urgent  to ensure that the rights, safety, and dignity of our relatives are  safeguarded through internationally recognized mechanisms of  protection.

While we are mindful that the institution of the 'Protecting Power'  has, in recent decades, fallen into disuse and may appear unusual in  today's context, the exceptional and unlawful circumstances we face  today demand precisely such exceptional measures. Azerbaijan's  continued incommunicado detention of Armenian captives, without  access by their families, independent lawyers, or impartial  humanitarian actors, constitutes a flagrant breach of its obligations  under international humanitarian law, including the Geneva  Conventions," the letter states in part.

Noting that at least 19 individuals are currently being held in Baku,  their relatives emphasize that this situation has created a serious  vacuum in the protection of rights, resulting in a high risk of  violence, ill- treatment, and even enforced disappearance.

"In view of these urgent and extraordinary circumstances, and  recalling Switzerland's status as host State and principal supporter  of the ICRC in its role as guardian of international humanitarian  law, we hereby respectfully but firmly request:

The Government of Armenia to extend a formal invitation to the  Government of the Swiss Confederation to assume the role of  Protecting Power with respect to all Armenian captives currently held  in Azerbaijan.

The Government of the Swiss Confederation to accept this invitation  and to act as the Protecting Power, thereby ensuring the captives'  rights, dignity, and protection to the fullest extent possible, and  providing the guarantees that Azerbaijan has unlawfully denied.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in its capacity  as substitute for a Protecting Power, to support this appointment and  to assist Switzerland in fulfilling its functions as Protecting Power  in relation to the Armenian captives unlawfully detained in  Azerbaijan.

Time is of the essence. Continued inaction risks further aggravating  the suffering of those unlawfully detained and increasing the threats  to their lives and physical integrity. We therefore respectfully call  upon the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of  the Swiss Confederation to take timely and appropriate measures  within their respective mandates, and invite the International  Committee of the Red Cross to extend its support, with a view to  ensuring that international law is effectively upheld and that the  rights of ethnic Armenians are duly protected in the face of ongoing  violations," the letter concludes.