Yesterday, at the Armenian Center of Geneva, the Council of Armenian and Armenophile Organizations of Switzerland (CAAS) organized a discussion evening with the participation of international law experts and Geneva officials. The event focused on Armenian prisoners of war and ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of the current situation under international law and explore Switzerland’s possible commitments.
🔹 CURRENT SITUATION
A detailed analysis of the situation and international stakes was presented by:
- Philippe Kalfayan (international lawyer, former Secretary-General of FIDH)
- Siranush Sahakyan (lawyer representing Armenian prisoners of war)
- Arpi Avetisyan (international law attorney specializing in human rights and strategic litigation, Brussels)
➡️ The condition of the 23 Armenian prisoners of war has only worsened since their illegal and unjustified imprisonment. Clear signs of physical and psychological torture have been reported. The blatant illegality of their trials before the Azerbaijani military tribunal was also highlighted.
Experts emphasized Switzerland’s potential role as a mediator for two key reasons:
- The premature termination of the ICRC’s mission to the prisoners, which the Azerbaijani government imposed.
- Switzerland’s diplomatic capacity to represent Armenia in discussions with Azerbaijan.
✅ 🇨🇭 March 18, 2025 – The Swiss Council of States, following a National Council vote in December, adopted a historic motion calling on Switzerland to convene a “Nagorno-Karabakh Peace Forum: Enabling the Return of the Armenian Population” within a year, with representatives from Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh. Geneva is being considered a potential host for this significant forum, which could contribute to regional stability and justice.
✅ 🇪🇺 March 12, 2024 – The European Parliament adopted a resolution urging Azerbaijan to engage in a comprehensive and transparent dialogue with the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, ensuring their rights, security, and the possibility of returning home under international presence.
🔹 DEBATE: How Can Geneva and Switzerland Take Action?
A debate was held with candidates for the Administrative Council of the City of Geneva, including:
✅ Marie Barbey-Chappuis (The Centre / Green Liberals)
✅ Joëlle Bertossa (Socialist Party)
✅ Marjorie de Chastonay (The Greens)
✅ Natacha Buffet-Desfayes (FDP)
✅ Vincent Schaller (SVP)
✅ David Ulysse Jeanneret (Municipal Council candidate, replacing Skender Salihi, MCG)
➡️ This exchange confronted politicians and their parties on their positions regarding resolutions defending the rights of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The discussion also highlighted:
- The paradox between Geneva’s international and humanitarian role and its centrality in SOCAR’s international commercial and financial operations—SOCAR is a key Azerbaijani multinational supporting its economy and military.
- The debate on Swiss neutrality: whether to take bold stances or maintain neutrality to facilitate mediation.
- The protection of Armenian ecclesiastical and cultural heritage under threat.
- Expectations from Geneva’s international community regarding actions in favor of Armenian prisoners of war.
Switzerland can and must act in alignment with its principles and historical legacy.
A must-read: the article by Werner Thut and Hans-Lukas Kieser, “Neutralism or Constitutional Mandate? Swiss-Armenian Relations Past and Present”, which urges Switzerland to go beyond humanitarian action and leverage its political latitude to take concrete action in support of Armenia.