The document was made public by Joan Donoghue, the Chair of the United Nations International Court.
The decision states that ‘Azerbaijan is obliged to ensure the return to Karabakh of those individuals who express such a desire.’ The judge declared that despite the commitments undertaken by Azerbaijan, as mentioned by the representative of this country on October 12 during the consideration of the lawsuit, there is a ‘threat of irreparable harm to the rights of the population of Karabakh.’ Based on this, she believes that the conditions for adopting provisional measures exist.
‘The Court concludes that Azerbaijan is obligated to ensure the implementation of unhindered and safe return of individuals to Karabakh who left it during the events after November 19. Secondly, individuals who remained in Karabakh after September 19 and are still there should have the opportunity to leave if they wish. Thirdly, to ensure the unhindered and safe entry or exit of individuals to and from Karabakh,’ she said.
The Court also obligated Azerbaijan ‘to preserve, not destroy, documents confirming the rights of the residents of Karabakh to property.’ Baku ‘must respect this right and record it in its legislation.’
Azerbaijan is also required to submit a report to the court within an eight-week period on the work done in the specified directions.
