Case Explained: Azerbaijani Ombudsperson calls January 20 massacre crime against humanity – Legal Perspective

On the 36th anniversary of the January 20, 1990 tragedy, Azerbaijan’s Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsperson), Sabina Aliyeva, called the massacre of civilians by former USSR forces a “crime against humanity,” highlighting the lasting human and legal impact of the events and urging the international community to ensure accountability.

As Caliber.Az reports, citing the Ombudsperson’s press service, Aliyeva emphasized the gravity of the attack:

“It has been 36 years since the night of January 19–20, 1990, when the armed forces of the former USSR carried out a military intervention against the civilian population of Azerbaijan, aimed at violently suppressing the nation’s expression of independence and national will. As a result of this bloody act committed against humanity, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and other international human rights instruments were gravely violated. The January 20 tragedy, which caused mass human losses, ranks among the most horrific crimes of the 20th century.

That night, the use of disproportionate military force against unarmed civilians in Baku and other districts resulted in the deaths of 150 peaceful people and injuries to 744 others, constituting serious breaches of the constitutions of the former USSR and Azerbaijan SSR, as well as international legal norms. Our multiethnic nation was subjected to a massacre while defending its homeland and national identity.

The use of military force against a peaceful population, without warning or genuine threat, and the deliberate violation of the right to life and physical integrity, are prohibited under international human rights law and constitute violations of inalienable rights, which must be protected even in states of emergency. The events of January 20 confirm a grave breach of international legal norms.”

Aliyeva further underscored the historical significance of Azerbaijan’s National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who, despite personal risk, publicly condemned the massacre on January 21, 1990, at Azerbaijan’s permanent mission in Moscow, attributing direct responsibility to the former USSR leadership. She noted that his statement provided the first political and legal assessment of the tragedy.

 “The failure of the international community and relevant organizations at the time to appropriately assess these events created a climate of impunity and breached principles of international justice. The lack of a timely and principled response within UN human rights mechanisms to these mass violations subsequently enabled other serious crimes against human rights in the region,” she said.

Emphasizing accountability, Aliyeva added:

“An objective and comprehensive investigation of the January 20 tragedy from the perspective of international law, its recognition as a crime against humanity, and legal accountability for both the perpetrators and all officials involved in the decision-making process are essential to restore justice. I call on international organizations, particularly the relevant United Nations mechanisms, to take a firm stance and ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that this massacre receives proper assessment under international law.

The dearest memory of the January 20 martyrs will forever remain in the hearts of the people of Azerbaijan.”

By Vafa Guliyeva