441-01074 (Foreign affairs)

Canada supports a negotiated political solution to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and engages regularly with both parties and consistently calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Canada also support the efforts by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe in bringing the parties together.

Canada is closely monitoring the situation related to the Armenian Prisoners of War (POWs) and other detainees, and is aware of the difficulties in securing their release. The release of POWs and detainees remains a priority, and Canada will continue to raise concerns whenever the opportunity arises. Canada welcome the recent release of some Armenian prisoners by Azerbaijan, and will continue to call for the immediate release of all detainees as a key step in the confidence-building process through both bilateral and multilateral channels.

Canada remains deeply concerned about the allegations of human rights violations 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, including to take all necessary measures to prevent the incitement and promotion of racial hatred, including by officials and public institutions, and to protect persons captured by Azerbaijan during the conflict from bodily harm. Canada continue to call on respective governments to investigate human rights allegations diligently in compliance with international human rights law.

Since 2020, Canada has contributed $2.3 million in financial support, both for humanitarian assistance as well as mine action activities to protect both Armenian and Azerbaijani civilians from the threat of explosive remnants. This includes recent funding from the Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund for an emergency relief operation launched by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in October 2022 to support the provision of basic needs assistance, and other humanitarian services including mental health and psychosocial support services, health assistance, and hygiene promotion. Canada is also closely monitoring ongoing blockages of the Lachin corridor, and have called for the reopening of the corridor to ensure the freedom of movement and avoid further humanitarian impact.

On June, 29, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada will open a full embassy with a resident ambassador in Armenia, allowing for stronger bilateral ties and increased Canadian support for Armenian democracy. This diplomatic expansion will help guide Canada’s response to evolving security threats, enhance political and economic cooperation to support European Allies, and further counter the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and support Armenia in its democratic development.