At the 58th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the World Council of Churches (WCC) delivered a statement on the human rights situation of the illegally held Armenian captives.
The statement was delivered during the meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, by Dr. Ani Ghazaryan Drissi, program executive of WCC Ecumenical Theological Education.
“The World Council of Churches expresses deep concern over the continued unlawful detention of Armenian individuals by Azerbaijan,” reads the statement. “The taking and holding of hostages violate fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, and constitute a serious breach of human rights.”
The statement calls on the UN Human Rights Council to take all available measures to ensure the release of these hostages, and on all parties to fulfil their legal obligations under international law.
“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,” concludes the statement.
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Legate and Ecumenical Director for the Eastern Diocese, as well as a vice-moderator on the WCC Central Committee, has been instrumental in keeping the issue of Artsakh and Armenia at the forefront of urgent concerns for the World Council of Churches, and for the global ecumenical movement more generally.
The WWC is a fellowship of churches from all regions of the world, which seeks to foster closer ties and cooperation among different Christian denominations. The United Nations Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body made up of 47 States responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. It meets at the United Nations Office at Geneva.
Click the following link to watch the WCC statement read during the UN Human Rights Council session.
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WCC Statement on the Human Rights Situation of Armenian Hostages
Issued by WCC Commission on International Affairs, before the UN Human Rights Council, March 20, 2025
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 Conventions, and constitute a serious breach of human rights.
From November 2020 – the date of the “end” of the war – to October 2023, Azerbaijan illegally captured at least 23 Armenians, including civilians, former and current officials, and military personnel. Many of them have been subjected to torture and degrading treatment, as documented by human rights organizations.
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.
We call on the Human Rights Council to take all available measures to ensure the release of these hostages, and on all parties to fulfil their legal obligations under international law to protect human dignity and ensure justice.
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.