The Azerbaijani authorities continue to violate the
internationally recognized rights of the border residents of Armenia (based on
specific findings).
In particular, on the inter-community road leading from the
Armenian city of Kapan to Chakaten and a number of other villages which connecting
peaceful residential communities, the Azerbaijani military, on January 22, 2021
erected a sign with the words "Welcome to Azerbaijan" which was
displayed in Azerbaijani and English, and leading up to it, with Azerbaijani
flags.
The Human Rights Defender of Armenia has been receiving
alarmed and anxious calls from the residents of Kapan, as well as the villages
of Chakaten, Shikahogh, Srashen, Tsav, Nerkin Hand, Shishkert, and especially
more so in recent days. These reactions are equally due to the placement of
flags on those sections of the road. The head of the community of Kapan has
already provided the relevant information to the Defender.
The residents of these neighborhoods have issued alarms that
these steps by the Azerbaijani authorities are deliberate and are aimed at
grossly violating their physical security and emotional well-being, property
and other vital rights, as well as violative of the health and welfare of the
resident children.
By carrying out these demonstrative targeting of civilians,
coupled with the practically daily shootings are undeniably exacerbating
tensions in those Armenian villages.
Immediately after these alarms, a detailed study was
initiated in the Syunik regional and central subdivisions of the Human Rights
Defender's Office. Field observations were made, as well as a number of
discussions were had with the residents. Consequently, the referenced alarms
raised by those who reside in Kapan and by the community bodies there were all
confirmed.
The Human Rights Defender of Armenia considers it necessary
to consider these steps of the Azerbaijani authorities at least from the point
of view of the following factors:
1) The state policy of organized hatred and enmity of
Armenians continues in Azerbaijan;
2) The highest authorities of Azerbaijan openly speak about
the Armenian people in a language of ethnic cleansing and genocide, insulting
the dignity of the entire Armenian people;
3) There are open calls for a new war against Armenia in
Azerbaijan by not only public figures but even by human rights defenders in
that country;
4) For more than a month now, the Azerbaijani military has
been firing with small and large caliber weapons, at times while under the
influence of alcohol or visibly drunk. This, as observed by the villagers in
the immediate proximity of the mentioned villages of the Kapan in Armenia;
5) On the way from Kapan to Chakaten village, there are
Azerbaijani soldiers, and other armed personnel;
6) As for the process of determining the borders of Armenia
with Azerbaijan, within the framework of which such signs and flags were
placed, it appears that the Azerbaijani soldiers are proceeding with gross
violations and are endangering human life and rights, all of which contradicts
the foundations of the international human rights system and the rule of law.
Therefore, the outcome is not supported by law;
7) The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan have committed and continue
to commit torture, inhumane treatment and other war crimes against the military
and civilians of the Armenian side. This was especially so during the
September-November 2020 war, but has continued hence.
Therefore, it is clear that the referenced measures of the
Azerbaijani military were taken in a manner which violates the rights of the
residents of Armenia’s border communities, by openly intimidating them
(including children and women). This situation can not contribute to peace in
the region in any way, but rather, it causes increased tensions, and violates
the internationally recognized rights and interests of civilians as guaranteed
by the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia.
Reports on these findings will be sent to international
organizations, including the OSCE, the UN, and the Council of Europe (with the
necessary supporting evidence). Separate reports will also be sent to special
mechanisms of intergovernmental organizations.
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