On February 27, in Geneva Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan met with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

The sides discussed issues on cooperation within the framework of the UN Human Rights Protection System.

The interlocutors touched upon the process of democratic reforms in Armenia, the steps and achievements of the Government of Armenia towards protecting human rights and strengthening the rule of law. 

Issues on international and regional agenda were discussed.

Ararat Mirzoyan noted that during the 44-day war and the aggressions against the sovereign territory of Armenia in May, 2021, November and September, 2022, gross violations of human rights by the armed forces of Azerbaijan were recorded, in this regard highlighting the importance of the clear actions of the international relevant organizations, as well as the implementation of the decision of the International Court of Justice. Minister Mirzoyan underlined the imperative of immediate repatriation of Armenian prisoners of war and civilians illegally held in Azerbaijan, noting that Azerbaijan clearly violates not only the provisions of the Trilateral Statement signed by it on November 9, but also the norms of international humanitarian law.

Touching upon the humanitarian challenges faced by the 120,000 people of Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the blockade of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan, the Foreign Minister stressed the importance of the intervention of relevant UN bodies and providing humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh.

Minister Mirzoyan also briefed upon the efforts of the Armenian side towards the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.