Justice for the Victims of the Nagorno–Karabakh Conflict

Abstract In September 2023, the mass exodus of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians from Nagorno–Karabakh into neighbouring Armenia captured international attention. This article examines various ongoing legal efforts and analyses the implications of Armenia’s ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This ratification marks a significant shift in Armenia’s approach to international law, opening new pathways of accountability for crimes committed in the context of the Azerbaijan–Armenia and Nagorno–Karabakh conflicts. Through analysis of the Rome Statute and applicable jurisprudence, this article explores the potential for ICC intervention. The study focuses particularly on the crimes against humanity of deportation and persecution as defined under the Rome Statute, evaluating how Armenia’s accession might catalyse justice for the victims of the Nagorno–Karabakh conflict. Additionally, the article analyses the challenges that Armenia faces in engaging with the ICC.