441-00664 (Foreign affairs)

Canada supports a 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 and ultimately resolving the conflict through a negotiated political solution. Canada supports the efforts of the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe in bringing the parties together and assisting them to build mutual confidence at this very sensitive time.

In September 2022, Canada expressed deep concerns about the escalation of tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the resulting loss of life and injuries on both sides. The renewed fighting was a reminder of the critical need to maintain dialogue and work towards achieving a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the issues that remain at the heart of the conflict. In response to these hostilities, the Minister of Foreign Affair, Mélanie Joly held calls with Armenian and Azerbaijan Foreign Ministers on September 15 and 17 respectively. In her conversations, Minister Joly expressed condolences for the loss of life, urged for the full respect of the ceasefire, and underlined the importance of meaningful dialogue. She stressed that there is no military solution to this conflict.

Canada welcomes the ongoing engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, including the Leaders’ meetings in early October 2022, the renewed commitment to continue the meetings of the Border Commission, and the foreign minister-level discussions toward a peace agreement, under EU mediation. Such meetings are an important step toward ensuring greater regional stability.

Canada monitors the situation related to the Armenian Prisoners of War (POWs) and other detainees, and is aware of the difficulties in securing their release. Canada welcomes the recent release of some Armenian prisoners by Azerbaijan. Through both 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 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. The reports about Azerbaijani soldiers allegedly executing Armenian prisoners of war, which were made public in early October 2022, are deeply disturbing. Canada calls on Azerbaijan to follow through on the public commitment of Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General to carry out an investigation into these reports. Canada continues to call on respective governments to investigate human rights allegations diligently in compliance with international human rights law.

Canada engages regularly with both parties and consistently calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, encouraging both sides to continue working together. Canada has provided an additional $1 million in humanitarian funding to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Nagorno-Karabakh in 2021. Global Affairs Canada has allocated up to $800,000 in funding through the Peace and Security Operation Program toward mine action activities on both sides of the dividing line in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which has supported the protection of civilian populations from the threat of explosive remnants.