Armenia should formally request Switzerland's assistance in facilitating visits to Armenian detainees held in Azerbaijan, according to human rights lawyer Siranush Sahakyan.

Sahakyan, head of the Center for International and Comparative Law, stated that Armenia has alternative options for arranging visits to its citizens detained in Azerbaijan. She emphasized the need for Armenia to take concrete steps to implement these mechanisms, especially following Azerbaijan's suspension of cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) .

Sahakyan revealed that Switzerland has expressed willingness to act as a neutral intermediary to facilitate such visits. However, she stressed that an official request must be submitted by the Armenian government to initiate this process.

"In situations where diplomatic relations between two countries are strained or nonexistent, a third country can step in to handle humanitarian issues, such as arranging visits to detainees and conveying information about them. Our organization approached Switzerland regarding this matter, and they indicated readiness to assume this role. The key requirement is an official application from the Armenian state," Sahakyan explained.

She acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Azerbaijan's potential acceptance of this approach but noted that refusal could lead to international criticism, as it would infringe upon Armenia's sovereign rights. Sahakyan pointed out that similar mechanisms have been employed in other conflicts with the involvement of neutral third countries .

"Even if Azerbaijan questions the neutrality of the proposed third country, outright rejection would be deemed unacceptable by the international community. It's imperative for Armenia to make the request, even if it anticipates a denial, to highlight the issue," she added.

Sahakyan emphasized that only a sovereign state can make such a request, as it pertains to the right to visit its nationals imprisoned abroad. International law provides for alternative arrangements when a country lacks consular representation in another state, allowing for delegation of these responsibilities to a neutral third country.

The Center for International and Comparative Law has inquired with Armenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs about considering this option for maintaining contact with detainees. The ministry responded positively but did not provide further details .

Sahakyan also noted that Azerbaijan has ceased cooperation with the ICRC, hindering communication with Armenian detainees .