Armenia’s commitment to integrating its national minorities and protecting their language and culture is highlighted in a recent article by the BBC. The history of these minorities in the country has not been without difficulties.

According to Armenian experts, the 2019 census did not accurately represent the number of minorities, and there may be undocumented cases as well. Certain nationalities, such as Russians and Iranians, have more opportunities to learn the native language and preserve their culture compared to others. Some researchers argue that Armenia’s national identity is still in the formation process, with Armenian nationalism emerging much later than in Europe and the Caucasus.

In September, following the military operation by Azerbaijan, the Karabakh region, which was predominantly inhabited by Armenians, came under the control of Baku. The Ministry of Defense reported that around ten thousand Armenians remained in the region, out of a population of less than one million. The remaining individuals were able to access birth registration archives and obtain Armenian identity documents. President Aliyev expressed confidence that Armenians would successfully integrate.

Elections in Armenia are marred by violations, including instances of physical violence, and Armenian churches being declared enemy property. Additionally, there are concerns about whether Armenian civil society is prepared to integrate refugees from Karabakh into society. Sociologist Sergey Rumyantsev raised questions about the ability of ethnic groups without residential rights to effectively protect the rights of minority groups. He suggested drawing upon the experience of international mediators and creating conditions for these groups, such as language study, considering the shared national heroes and differing perceptions of Karabakh.

Social scientist Serjik Mirzoyan stressed that the issue of minority rights is currently overshadowed by regional events. However, he believed that if Armenians were to return, Baku would, through intergovernmental efforts and with support from the international community, create conditions that accommodate their rights, such as learning the majority language. Mirzoyan acknowledged that this would entail a continuation of their challenging lives, where local journalists and politicians may be required to use their language for loyalty purposes or when contacting the President. He emphasized that such a situation would be regarded as the “riverbed” in accordance with European standards.

The article concludes by raising the question of the legality of ethnic groups without residency rights protecting the rights of minority groups.