# Plain Language Summary: House Resolution 240

This resolution is Congress expressing strong concern about prisoners being held by Azerbaijan following a military conflict. In September 2020, Azerbaijan launched a military attack on Nagorno-Karabakh (a region also called Artsakh), which resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced many ethnic Armenian residents. After a ceasefire agreement was signed in November 2020, all sides agreed to exchange prisoners and return detainees. However, according to this resolution, Azerbaijan has not followed through—it's still holding an estimated 200 Armenian prisoners of war and civilians more than 100 days after the conflict ended.

The resolution points to reports from human rights organizations documenting serious concerns about how these prisoners are being treated, including physical abuse and mistreatment. There's particular worry about female detainees who may face sexual assault. The resolution notes that Azerbaijan signed international agreements (the Geneva Conventions) that require prisoners to be released and treated humanely once fighting stops, yet they continue to hold people anyway. Meanwhile, Armenia has already released its Azerbaijani prisoners, fulfilling its obligations.

What this resolution actually does is call on Azerbaijan to immediately release all the Armenian prisoners and hostages it's holding. It also directs the U.S. Secretary of State to pressure Azerbaijan through diplomatic channels—including through international peace negotiations—to follow through on its commitments. This is essentially Congress saying the U.S. government should use its influence to push for the release of these detainees. The resolution doesn't impose any direct penalties or sanctions; it's a statement of the House's position and a directive to the State Department to take action through diplomacy.

Calling on Azerbaijan to immediately release all prisoners of war and captured civilians.

Schiff, Adam B.

 <p>This resolution calls on the government of Azerbaijan to immediately return all Armenian prisoners of war and captured civilians. The resolution also urges the Department of State to engage with Azerbaijani authorities to bring about this result.</p>