Written question asked by Ruth Cadbury (Labour) on Monday, 14 October 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 October 2024. It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 October 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Azerbaijan: Prisoners

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make a request to his Azerbaijani counterpart for a UK delegation to visit the 23 Armenian prisoners being held by Azerbaijan in order to (a) verify their conditions and (b) ensure that international standards and conventions are being complied before COP29 in Baku in November.

Answer: The UK has consistently urged the Azerbaijani authorities, including ahead of COP29, to ensure that those in detention are afforded a fair trial and are provided safe conditions, in accordance with Azerbaijan's international obligations and commitments. We are in touch with the UK delegation visiting Azerbaijan for COP29 to ensure a smooth visit to the country, however we have not received a formal request for UK Government support to visit Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan.

Secondary information