Oslo 14 December 2020: During the six weeks long war between Armenia and Azerbaijan we have received persistent reports of war crimes committed by both parties, which give reason for alarm. There is an urgent need for an independent and credible inquiry into such crimes to break the cycle of impunity.
– According to numerous reports, both Armenia and Azerbaijan have committed war crimes in violation of among others the 3rdand 4th Geneva Convention, acting Secretary General Gunnar Ekeløve-Slydal says. – When such violations are documented, it allows for judicial processes where the responsible will be brought to justice. We believe this is a precondition for future reconciliation and peace between the peoples of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The independent commission should have a mandate to investigate reports and allegations of war crimes and serious human rights abuses committed during the war over Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territories. As a member of the UN Security Council from 2021, Norway can propose referring the situation of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territories for investigation by the ICC.