Azerbaijan takes obligations under CERD seriously

Azerbaijan has taken note of the decision of the International Court of Justice in the case of Armenia v. Azerbaijan on provisional measures in connection with the application of the International Convention on the Abolition of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), dated November 17, 2023.

Caliber.Az reports, citing the information of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry regarding the decision of the ICJ.

“We welcome the court’s decision, which once again confirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, rejecting Armenia’s claim, calling into question Azerbaijan’s long-accepted and internationally recognized sovereignty over Karabakh. It is also noteworthy that the court rejected the unfounded and absurd demand for the withdrawal of personnel of all military and law enforcement agencies of Azerbaijan from the Karabakh region.

“The measures indicated by the court take into account the already stated policy of the Azerbaijani government towards the Armenian residents of Karabakh. This includes our commitment to the safety and security of all residents, regardless of their national or ethnic origin. Azerbaijan never evicted the Armenian residents from Karabakh, and despite calls from Azerbaijan not to leave the region, their decision was to move to Armenia and other countries. Azerbaijan, in accordance with its constitution and relevant international obligations, strives to protect the rights of the Armenian residents of Karabakh on an equal basis with other citizens of Azerbaijan.

“The fact that the court did not require any measures to be taken in connection with Armenia's demand to facilitate the visit of UN missions to the Karabakh region and cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a recognition of Azerbaijan's openness and cooperation in this area. This makes all accusations against our country essentially unfounded.

“Azerbaijan protects private property, cultural monuments, artifacts, and registration documents in accordance with national legislation and international obligations. Thus, the fact that the court did not mention these topics is at the same time a confirmation of the measures taken by Azerbaijan.”