On April 19, the joint visit
of President of Armenia Armen Sargsyan and Human Rights Defender of Armenia
Arman Tatoyan to Syunik region has been launched.
In Khnatsakh of Syunik
region, the primary issue is the restoration of the rights of the villagers,
that were violated due to the presence of the Azerbaijani armed forces in the
immediate vicinity of the village. Due to security reasons, the villagers are
unable to benefit from their lands and gardens, and are unable to use pastures
and grasslands. Because of this situation, people are deprived of the source of
income their family. In other words, their right to property, to economic
activity and other vital socio-economic rights have been violated.
Moreover, the rights to life,
health, physical and mental integrity of the civilians, and other
internationally recognized rights are endangered. The current situation is also
problematic from the point of view of the best interests of the children and
their security.
Other issues of concern were
also discussed with the residents of Khnatsakh; issues related to the rights of
the villagers after becoming a border community, state support in
socio-economic issues, children's rights issues, in particular, related to
kindergarten, school attendance, their education, etc.
In Goris, joint discussions with
the participation of the President of the Republic and the Human Rights
Defender were held with the head of the community, the heads of Hartashen,
Nerkin Khndzoresk, Karahunj, a number of other rural settlements, as well as
the head of the Sisian community.
It is obvious, that the
presence of the servicemen of the Azerbaijani armed forces near the villages of
Syunik region has no legal basis, it is illegal. This conclusion has specific
legal grounds that make their presence generally illegitimate. The Human Rights
Defender of Armenia has mentioned this on several occasions.
The position of the President
of Armenia that there is uncertainty over the borders and this situation
violates the rights of the villagers is important.
Therefore, it is obvious,
that a security zone should be established in Syunik to guarantee human rights.
The offices of the President of Armenia and
the Human Rights Defender of Armenia will summarize the results of the joint
visit and relevant steps (including joint steps) will be undertaken according
to the competencies.
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