Two human rights groups have asked Armenia’s Foreign Ministry to delegate consular protection for Armenian captives in Baku to Switzerland, a neutral country.

In March, public organizations Legal Path and the Union for the Protection of the Interests and Rights of the People of Artsakh submitted a formal proposal to Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, suggesting that Armenia authorize Switzerland to provide consular protection for Armenian captives held in Baku. This was announced by Siranush Sahakyan, co-founder of Legal Path and human rights lawyer, CivilNet reports.

According to Sahakyan, the Foreign Ministry informed them that both the question of submitting the request and the choice of country are currently under discussion.

She emphasized that the need for legal protection of prisoners and hostages has become more urgent since Azerbaijan announced it would terminate the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) within its territory.

The ICRC had been the sole international organization permitted to visit Armenian captives in Baku and facilitate communication between them and their families. It has been operating in the region since 1992, with offices in Baku, Yerevan, and Stepanakert.

Sahakyan noted that the issue had been raised at various meetings but had not been publicly disclosed until now.

“The urgency of the problem changed when the Red Cross’s operations were suspended. Halting these services for detainees in Baku could have irreversible consequences,” she said.

She added that transferring consular authority also relates to ensuring the right to a fair trial.

“Consular services encompass a broad range of duties, including assessing detention conditions, monitoring rights, and addressing medical issues,” she explained.

Sahakyan emphasized that any country entrusted with consular protection must be neutral and acceptable to both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Regarding Switzerland, Sahakyan stated: “Switzerland’s parliamentary resolution recognizing its role in facilitating dialogue between Artsakh and Azerbaijan was significant for us. It also supports the right of return for the people of Artsakh.”

In December 2024, Switzerland’s National Council (lower house) approved a proposal to establish a Peace Forum for Nagorno-Karabakh. This initiative was endorsed by the upper house in March 2025. The proposal calls on the Swiss government to provide a platform for dialogue between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan.

Under the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, a country without diplomatic representation in another state may arrange consular services for its citizens through a third country, with mutual agreement. This mechanism is especially relevant where no formal diplomatic ties exist, allowing a neutral third country to act as a “protecting power,” either temporarily or long-term.