International Law and the Rights of Armenian Hostages After Nagorno-Karabakh
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
- In-Person event
- SP 400, St. Patrick’s Building, Carleton University
- 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6
What can international law do after conflict?
Join us for a conversation with international human rights lawyer Siranush Sahakyan, who represents the interests of Armenian prisoners before the European Court of Human Rights.
Sahakyan will discuss ongoing legal cases involving Armenian prisoners, the role of international courts, and broader questions of human rights, accountability, and the rights of the people of Artsakh following the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Students interested in international law, human rights, international relations, conflict studies, political science, or the South Caucasus are especially welcome.
There will also be an opportunity for students to ask questions and engage directly with the speaker.
Speaker Abstract:
Siranush Sahakyan is an Armenian attorney and specialist in international law with more than 15 years of experience in human rights protection, judicial and legal reform, and anti-corruption efforts. She represents the interests of Armenian prisoners before the European Court of Human Rights and has been involved in legal efforts concerning the rights of Armenians affected by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
In this discussion, Sahakyan will provide an overview of ongoing legal cases involving Armenian prisoners and examine the role and limitations of international legal mechanisms, including the European Court of Human Rights, in addressing alleged human rights violations. She will also discuss broader legal questions concerning the rights of the people of Artsakh, accountability following conflict, and the challenges of pursuing justice through international institutions.
The event will offer students an opportunity to learn about the practical application of international human rights law in a contemporary conflict and to engage directly with a lawyer working on these cases.