Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan made a working visit to the border communities of Gegharkunik Province on May 2.
This was announced by the Office of the Human Rights Defender.
“The purpose of the Defender’s visit was to carry out fact-finding work regarding human rights violations on the ground, to collect confirming facts and evidence regarding them, and to become acquainted with the issues of concern to the civilian population.
The data collected as a result of the visit indicate that Azerbaijani servicemen continue to display aggressive behaviour, present threats to villagers by displaying weapons, and frequently fire shots in the immediate vicinity of populated areas. The fact that the homes of residents of border communities and civilian infrastructure are being targeted is highly concerning.
The Defender’s first stop was the Gavar community. Gegharkunik Province Governor Karen Sargsyan presented to Anahit Manasyan the issues existing in the province. The Defender assured that the human rights violations recorded during the visit will be presented to the competent bodies and partners of international structures, with the aim of finding possible solutions to the issues.
Subsequently, the Human Rights Defender visited the enlarged Vardenis community. A meeting was held with the head of the community, Aharon Khachatryan, who presented to the Defender the existing issues requiring urgent solutions. The Defender then visited the border communities of Verin Shorzha, including Sarategh, Kut, Norabak, Sotk and Kutakan.
Anahit Manasyan spoke with the residents of the aforementioned communities. They expressed concerns related to their life and security, physical and mental integrity, property, education and other fundamental rights. The residents raised issues related to the use of pastures, hayfields and arable lands. In addition, they noted that under the created conditions, the possibility of engaging in livestock breeding and providing for their families with vital means has become difficult.
The Human Rights Defender emphasises that the use of force and the threat of use of force by Azerbaijani servicemen also have the purpose of terrorising the residents of border communities.
As noted above, these and other collected facts will be summarised in the staff of the Human Rights Defender. They will be presented to competent international organisations and other stakeholders, as well as to competent state departments.
Earlier, on April 14, Anahit Manasyan had made a working visit to the Tegh community of Syunik Province”:
