UK Parliamentary Inquiry on Artsakh holds its opening session

The UK Parliamentary Inquiry on Artsakh held its opening session on Monday.

The Inquiry, titled “Erasing the Past: The Destruction of Cultural Heritage”, examines the destruction of Armenian heritage in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) since 2023, the legal responses taken to date, and pathways to justice and accountability. The first session heard from Artak Beglaryan, President of the Artsakh Union and former Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Artsakh, the Armenian National Committee of the United Kingdom reported.

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), together with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on International Law, Justice and Accountability and the APPG on Armenia, is conducting the Inquiry. The cross-party panel is chaired by Brendan O’Hara MP and includes Baroness Helena Kennedy KC, John Whittingdale MP, Jessica Morden MP, Lord McInnes, Lord Alton and Baroness Hooper, supported by IBAHRI Programme Coordinator Áine Macdonald.

The Inquiry will proceed in five stages:

1. Mapping evidence of destruction and existing legal responses

2. Open call for submissions

3. Public hearings with experts and witnesses

4. Publication of a final report

5. Ongoing engagement with the UK Government and international institutions

Follow the work of the UK Parliamentary Inquiry here.