Throughout the day, the
working group sent by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia to Syunik province
conducted urgent fact-finding work, primarily related to the unlawful
Azerbaijan border and customs control on the Goris-Kapan road. The effects of
the unlawful Azerbaijani acts on human rights, as well as the right of the
residents of the communities located in the vicinity of the customs and border
control were studied.
The obtained evidence confirms
that there have been gross violations of human rights in Syunik province,
including those of the residents of the communities (children, persons with
disabilities, older persons, etc.), and serious humanitarian issues. A very uncertain
and unstable situation has arisen for the people.
Firstly, the
communication between the Goris, Vorotan, Shurnukh, Bardzravan and other
civilian communities have become extremely difficult due to the ban on road
traffic by the Azerbaijani unlawful acts.
Serious restrictions on
access to food (bread, other foodstuffs), basic necessities, and medical care
and services have already arisen in these areas, putting people at an imminent
risk of a humanitarian crisis.
Today for example, the
supply of bread was organized with great difficulty in the villages of Vorotan,
Shurnukh, and Bardzravan of Goris community. According to the Office of the
Human Rights Defender, bread was delivered to the mentioned villages after
16:00 only due to the additional efforts of the community bodies of Goris.
Finding a solution to the
issue is further complicated to the difficulty to pass through the alternative
road (that passes though Khot village of Tegh community)- which in certain
sectors can become impassable due to weather conditions. Moreover, due to the
weather conditions in late autumn and winter, the ability to use the road may
be further restricted.
The issue of children’s
rights was under the special attention of the working group of the Human Rights
Defender; it was difficult or impossible to organize classes. The information
that the road was closed was surprising to the teachers, parents and the
children, and created an uncertain situation. Some teachers were informed that
the road was closed only in the morning.
For example, 4 out of 9
teachers of Bardzravan school come to school from Goris, and 1 from Kapan. Due
to the situation that arose, the teachers living in Goris organized the
teaching online, since it was impossible for them to reach the school. We
especially mention that this community is more problematic due to isolation.
3 out of the 44 students
of Vorotan school are children with special educational needs, as well as 3
children in the elementary who need special attention and care. 15 out of 19
teachers at the school come from Goris. Due to the Azerbaijani control of the
Goris-Kapan road, the classes started with delays and it is unclear what will
take place in the near future. It was not even possible to get to school with a
Gazelle car owned by the school.
2 of the 16 teachers of Shurnukh
come from Goris, while 1 from Kapan. Today, the teachers coming from Goris
could not reach the school.
Due to the Azerbaijani control
of the road, as well as due to the fact that the alternative road passing from
Khot village is difficult to pass, the free movement of the residents of these
villages have become restricted.
During the visit
conducted by the representatives of the Human Rights Defender, the fact that
older persons, persons with disabilities and persons with health issues also
live in Vorotan, Shurnukh, and Bardzravan villages. This implies that the
provision of operative and effective medical care and services, including
medication and emergency care to people (especially to older persons and children)
should be guaranteed.
This distinctive
humanitarian issue has become very problematic due to the Azerbaijani control
of the Goris-Kapan road. A case was registered, where an urgent need to travel
to Goris to receive a payment of a disability pension could not take place.
The Office of the Human
Rights Defender has recorded problems related to the organization of the daily
life of the citizens and to the solution of their vital needs due to the
Azerbaijani acts. Today for example, due to extreme weather conditions in
Shurnukh, there was an urgent need to repair the roof of one of the houses;
however, it was impossible to obtain the necessary construction materials.
The above-mentioned facts
evidence that the so-called Azerbaijani border and customs control in Armenia
(announced yesterday) has completely disrupted the normal life, peace and
security of the people, as well as their physical and mental integrity, and
their right to free movement.
The situation that is
created grossly violates the interest of the child, and the absolute
humanitarian right to primary medical care
The fact that armed and
masked Azerbaijani servicemen are present on the road, which in itself is a
violation of the right to life of the residents and a real threat to their
security.
These rights are
recognized internationally and are guaranteed by the Constitution of Armenia.
The mentioned violations grossly violate the Delimitation and Demarcation of
State Boundaries: Challenges and Solutions guidelines published by the OSCE on
December 19, 2017.
The facts clearly
demonstrate that the consolidation of the Azerbaijani armed forces or other
bodies will further increase human rights violations and expose the civilian
population of Armenia to even greater humanitarian issues.
It is evident that the deployment
of Azerbaijani armed servicemen and other Azerbaijani bodies, and their mentioned
acts are unlawful (do not have a legal basis) and punishable criminally. Their
deployments took place under blatant threats of a new war, while the
guaranteeing of human rights and the rule of law in such situations is a
fundamental international requirement.
Moreover, it should be
noted that these incidents are taking place in parallel with the Azerbaijani
authorities’ state-sponsored policy of Armenophobia and enmity.
The Office of the Human
Rights Defender of Armenia has recorded that the Border Guard Troops of the
National Security Service are serving to ensure the security of people and to
assist them; this has been noted by the residents as well. Special assistance
is also provided by communal bodies. The Human Rights Defender will continue
their collaboration with them, for the purpose of solving issues facing the
people.
The results of the
fact-finding activities conducted in Syunik province and the reports on the
situation on the ground will be summarized and sent to international
institutions, as well as to the state bodies of Armenia and non-governmental
institutions.
Mr. Arman Tatoyan
The Human Rights Defender
of Armenia
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