Canada’s Response to Petition Regarding Armenian POWs and Azeri Aggressive Activities

Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob Oliphant

Canada supports a comprehensive, negotiated political solution to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Canada’s position is based on the UN Security Council Resolutions on Nagorno-Karabakh, the principles of the non-use of force, territorial integrity, and self-determination, as well as the continuation of dialogue between the parties towards promoting confidence-building measures.

Canada supports the efforts of the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe in bringing the parties together. Canada stands ready to support measures to stabilize the situation and negotiations towards a comprehensive peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Government of Canada is closely monitoring developments on the ground, including the ongoing protests and blockages in the Lachin Corridor, which continues to impede travel between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia. Canada has urged Azerbaijan to ensure freedom of movement and prevent further negative impacts on the humanitarian situation.

Canada also monitors the situation related to the Armenian Prisoners of War (POWs) and other detainees, and is aware of the difficulties in securing their release. Through bilateral and multilateral channels, Canada continues to call for the immediate release of all detainees as a key step in the confidence-building process. The release of POWs and detainees remains one of Canada’s priorities, and Canada will continue to raise its concerns whenever the opportunity arises.

Canada remains deeply concerned about the allegations of human rights violation facing Armenian POWs and detainees, and calls on the respective governments to fully abide by the simultaneous orders issued by the International Court of Justice for provisional measures against both Armenia and Azerbaijan. Canada continues to call on respective governments to investigate human rights allegations diligently in compliance with international human rights law.

Canada imposes sanctions against foreign states and non-state actors as a key tool for the international community to support peace and security and enforce international norms and laws. Canada’s sanction process is complex and lengthy. Canada considers bilateral consequences that any sanction could have, and primarily adopts sanctions in alignment with likeminded partners.