Belgian Parliament Adopts Resolution Condemning Azerbaijan’s Actions in Nagorno-Karabakh

On July 17, the Belgian Chamber of Representatives passed a resolution in Brussels calling for sanctions against the Azerbaijani government and demanding the release of ethnic Armenian detainees currently held in Baku.

The resolution strongly criticizes Azerbaijan’s actions in Nagorno-Karabakh, stating that they violate the fundamental norms and principles of international law. It also condemns Azerbaijan’s controversial “Great Return to Western Azerbaijan” initiative, labeling it a potential threat to long-term peace and stability in the region.

While the Azerbaijani government maintains that the “Western Azerbaijan” concept is purely humanitarian and legal—aimed at the peaceful return of Azerbaijanis displaced from Armenia between 1988–1991—it has drawn widespread criticism from international actors who view it as a veiled territorial claim.

The resolution includes additional calls:

• Ensuring fair trials for the detained former leaders of the de facto Nagorno-Karabakh regime;
• Urging the European Union to reassess its relationship with Azerbaijan if the country does not demonstrate serious commitment to the peace process;
• Supporting a peace agreement based on mutual respect for the territorial integrity of both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Among those currently on trial in Baku are former separatist leaders such as Arayik Harutyunyan, Bako Sahakyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Davit Babayan, and Davit Ishkhanyan, who were arrested following Azerbaijan’s September 2023 military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh. They face charges including war crimes, genocide, deportation, and intentional killing. Trials began at the Baku Military Court in early 2024.

So far, Azerbaijani officials have not commented on the resolution.

The Belgian parliament’s move is part of a growing wave of concern across Europe regarding Azerbaijan’s human rights record, regional military interventions, and treatment of detainees. It also reflects mounting pressure on the European Union to hold Baku accountable if it undermines efforts toward a sustainable peace in the South Caucasus.