The Swiss Federal Assembly has passed a motion to establish a Peace Forum aimed at facilitating the return of displaced Armenians to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), a move hailed by Artsakh Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan as a strong message that the conflict remains unresolved.
On March 18, the Council of States, Switzerland’s upper house of Parliament, voted in favor of Motion No. 24.4259, titled “Peace Forum for Nagorno-Karabakh: Enabling the Return of Armenians.” With 29 out of 46 members supporting the initiative, the motion calls for Swiss authorities to launch a platform for negotiations between representatives of Artsakh and Azerbaijan.
The forum’s primary goal is to ensure the safe, collective, and dignified return of the displaced Armenian population to their historical homeland. The motion, first introduced in the National Council, the lower house, by Deputy Erich Vontobel of the Swiss People’s Party, was approved on December 17, 2024. With both chambers now in agreement, the proposal becomes legally binding, requiring the Swiss Federal Council to initiate its implementation.
Deputy Tiana Angelina Moser of the Green Liberal Party served as the rapporteur in the Council of States, advocating for the initiative’s passage. This marks a historic moment, as it is the first time both Swiss parliamentary chambers have passed a resolution on an Armenian issue, reflecting growing international concern over the consequences of Azerbaijan’s full control of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).
Artsakh Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan emphasized the importance of this resolution in an interview with Aravot.am, stating that the motion, having been approved by both houses of the Swiss Parliament, now carries the force of law. He noted that Switzerland’s highest executive body, the Federal Council, must now organize an international peace forum on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the next year.
However, Stepanyan stressed that the work does not end here. “The main task now falls on the Swiss government, but the Commission for the Protection of the Fundamental Rights of the People of Artsakh also has a role to play,” he said. Switzerland has taken on a commitment, but its effectiveness will depend on further actions.
When asked about his outlook on the process, Stepanyan was clear: “This resolution is a special message—the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) issue remains unresolved.”
He added that the international community, represented by Switzerland, is not ignoring the plight of forcibly displaced persons and their right to return.
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and other lawmakers opposed the resolution, arguing that it contradicts international law since the Armenians of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) are not officially recognized as subjects of international law. Cassis also expressed skepticism about the need for a peace forum, asserting that Yerevan and Baku are close to signing a peace treaty.
Supporters of the resolution, however, pointed to Switzerland’s long-standing tradition of neutrality and diplomatic mediation. They argued that a Swiss-facilitated dialogue between representatives of Artsakh and Azerbaijan could contribute to the safe return of displaced Armenians and help address the humanitarian crisis.
Former Armenian Foreign Minister (1998-2008) and head of the Commission on the Protection of Fundamental Rights of the People of Artsakh, Vartan Oskanyan, also commented on the resolution in a Facebook post.
“The right of forcibly displaced persons to return is one of the pillars of international law, supported by numerous legal precedents and international declarations,” Oskanyan wrote. He recalled that the International Court of Justice’s ruling in November 2023, along with European Parliament resolutions from March and October 2024, reaffirm this principle and call on Azerbaijan to ensure that Armenians from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) can return to their homes in safety and dignity.
Stepanyan echoed this view, noting that the issue of displaced persons has been largely ignored because it is not on Armenia’s official agenda. However, he sees Switzerland’s initiative as a valuable opportunity: “This platform provides a space where representatives of Artsakh and Azerbaijan can discuss this issue.”
With the motion now adopted, Switzerland is expected to outline the next steps for implementing the Peace Forum. While Azerbaijan’s response remains uncertain, this initiative could serve as a first step toward re-establishing dialogue and addressing the humanitarian crisis facing Artsakh Armenians.
