As part of the preparation for an international women\u2019s humanitarian delegation to Baku to visit Armenian detainees, I have sent open letters to international and governmental bodies whose engagement may be essential to organising the visit and ensuring the safety of its participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The purpose of this initiative remains exclusively humanitarian: to meet with the Human Rights Commissioner of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to visit Armenian citizens held in Azerbaijan, and to deliver letters, photographs, and permitted personal items from their families to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is why I believe it is important to act openly \u2014 through official and diplomatic channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of particular importance is the predictability and coherence of every stage of the potential visit: entry into Azerbaijan, access to the detainees, and the safe return home of all participants. The participants and their families need to understand that this initiative is being prepared in an official framework and with the necessary guarantees, so that the visit does not pose a risk to anyone\u2019s life or safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To that end, I have addressed open letters to the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 The Human Rights Commissioner of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 requesting her support in organising the visit under the auspices of her office and in creating the conditions necessary for it to take place;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 requesting that the ICRC consider ways to support, advise, or participate in the visit within the scope of its mandate;<\/p>\n\n\n\n