World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, in a statement marking the 111th anniversary of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, called for the release of Armenians detained in Baku.

Pillay expressed concern over the 2023 forced displacement of Armenians from Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh, which led to a mass exodus from their homeland.  

“The World Council of Churches stands in solidarity with all those affected, lifting prayers for healing, protection, and the restoration of rights and dignity,” said Pillay. “At the same time, we welcome ongoing efforts toward dialogue and peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”

Regarding the 1915 Armenian Genocide, Pillay stated: “This commemoration is not only an act of memory, but also a call to conscience, reminding the global community of the urgent responsibility to uphold human dignity, truth, and justice.”