Armenia and Azerbaijan: a territorial dispute before the International Court of Justice
In an unprecedented act of international justice, Armenia and Azerbaijan met before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday to resolve their territorial dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh. These hearings come on top of a long legal battle between the two countries, fueled by Baku’s lightning offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh last September.
The Armenian petition asks the ICJ to order Azerbaijan to withdraw its troops from Nagorno-Karabakh and allow displaced Armenians to return safely to the breakaway region. This request raises essential questions regarding respect for human rights and the self-determination of peoples.
The territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan dates back to the end of the Russian Empire, when Nagorno-Karabakh, populated mainly by Armenians, was part of Azerbaijan. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Nagorno-Karabakh declared its independence in 1991, with the support of Armenia.
Clashes between Armenian separatists and Azerbaijani forces have been frequent throughout the years, with two major wars in 1988-1994 and 2020. However, the international community has never recognized the self-proclaimed Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The ICJ, as the highest court of the UN, is responsible for adjudicating disputes between states. The decisions handed down by the Court are final, but it does not have the power to enforce them. Thus, the legal battle between Armenia and Azerbaijan continues, with both sides trying to make their case before the ICJ.
It is essential to understand that the resolution of this territorial dispute cannot be based solely on legal decisions, but must also take into account the political realities and aspirations of the populations concerned. The ideal solution would be a compromise that guarantees both the security and rights of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh and respect for the sovereignty of Azerbaijan.
Pending the ICJ’s decision, it is essential that both sides engage in constructive dialogue and work together to find a peaceful solution to this territorial dispute. This requires the political will to resolve the problems and end the cycle of violence that has affected the region for decades.
It is important that the international community supports these mediation efforts and encourages both sides to find a lasting solution that guarantees peace and stability in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Only in this way can we hope to put an end to this territorial conflict and allow the populations concerned to live in harmony and security.