On February 3, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with Michael O’Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, to discuss ongoing efforts aimed at addressing the needs of those displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh.
The two sides also reviewed key areas of cooperation within the Council of Europe framework, particularly in strengthening the rule of law and protecting human rights.
Mirzoyan reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to implementing its ambitious democratic reform agenda, outlining steps already taken by the government.
They also exchanged views on regional developments, with a focus on continued efforts to strengthen peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including humanitarian issues.
On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale offensive against Artsakh, subjecting the entire territory to heavy shelling. A day later, on September 20, Artsakh authorities agreed to a ceasefire proposed by Russian peacekeepers, accepting Baku’s terms for disarmament and dissolution of the republic. The assault killed 223 people, including 20 civilians, six of them children. From September 24, mass displacement began, forcing over 100,000 people into Armenia. Only around 20 Armenians remained in Artsakh, of whom 11 returned to Armenia, one died, and one was arrested.
