WCC News: WCC delivers statement at UN Human Rights Council on Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan

The World Council of Churches (WCC) delivered a statement on the human rights situation of Armenian hostages at the 58th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council.  The WCC statement on the human rights situation of Armenian hostages was delivered by Prof. Dr Ani Ghazaryan Drissi, programme executive of WCC Ecumenical Theological Education.  Photo: UN WebTV screenshot 21 March 2025 The statement was delivered by Prof. Dr Ani Ghazaryan Drissi, programme 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 notes that, 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,” reads the WCC statement.  “We reaffirm that all persons illegally detained must be immediately and unconditionally released,” reads the text. “The prolonged detention of individuals in violation of due process and legal protections undermines efforts for sustainable peace and reconciliation in the region.” The statement calls 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,” concludes the statement. Read the full WCC statement at the UN HRC58 Video of the statement (UN WebTV) See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland