The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled on 10 December 2024, allowing competing anti-discrimination cases between Azerbaijan and Armenia to advance. This decision follows Azerbaijan’s objections to Armenia’s case, which claims violations of a United Nations anti-discrimination treaty dating back to 2021.
Judicial Findings
The court dismissed all objections put forth by Azerbaijan regarding Armenia’s allegations. However, in its counterclaim against Armenia, the ICJ partially upheld Armenia’s objections, limiting Azerbaijan’s case to focus only on incidents occurring after September 1996. Furthermore, allegations pertaining to environmental harm caused by Armenia were also excluded from examination.
Ethnic Cleansing Allegations
- Both nations have accused each other of ethnic cleansing within the backdrop of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
- In September 2023, Azerbaijan regained control over Nagorno-Karabakh, leading to the mass exodus of nearly 100,000 ethnic Armenians seeking refuge in Armenia.
Last year, the court intervened with emergency measures, instructing Azerbaijan to permit the return of fleeing ethnic Armenians from the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave.
Statements from Both Sides
Azerbaijan maintains that it has committed to ensuring the safety of all residents in the region, irrespective of their national or ethnic origins. The Azerbaijani government asserts that it has not forcibly removed ethnic Armenians from Karabakh.
Conversely, Armenia stands firm on its accusations against Azerbaijan, alleging ongoing ethnic cleansing against the Azeri population.
Future Proceedings
The ICJ, known as the World Court and the UN’s highest court for settling inter-state disputes, is expected to hold hearings on the merits of both cases next year, continuing to address the serious allegations made by both parties as they navigate their long-standing conflict.