Appeal by Veronika Zonabend
July 31, 2026
This week marked 100 days since Ruben was transferred to the Umbaki penitentiary complex. He has been held since September 2023, and in all that time he has not once been able to see his family in person.
Previously, I addressed the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, regarding preparations for an international women’s humanitarian delegation to Baku.
The purpose of this initiative remains purely humanitarian: to visit Armenian detainees held in Azerbaijan, deliver letters, photographs and permitted personal items from their loved ones, and help maintain their connection with their families.
To date, I have received no official response to either appeal.
Therefore, on July 30, I sent follow-up official letters to Ms Sabina Aliyeva and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, setting out concrete proposals for the practical organisation of the humanitarian visit. Today, I am publicly reiterating those requests.
I ask Ms Aliyeva and her Office to facilitate a visit to Armenian detainees held at the Umbaki Penitentiary Complex, clarify the possible format of the visit, the procedures for access and the delivery of family parcels, and provide clear assurances regarding the safe entry, stay and unhindered departure of the delegation members.
We are ready to discuss various formats to be agreed through official channels, including a visit by the full delegation, a smaller group of participants, or a visit accompanied by a representative of the Office of the Commissioner.
It is of fundamental importance to us that the agreed format allows direct humanitarian contact with the detainees and the delivery of personal correspondence and permitted items from their families.
I also reiterate my request to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia to designate an official to coordinate this initiative and provide the necessary diplomatic and practical support for its preparation.
I remain committed to acting openly, responsibly and through official channels.
I hope to receive official responses and see a readiness to engage in the practical preparation of the visit.
Veronika Zonabend
