The
information gathered by the regional subdivision of the Office of the Human
Rights Defender in Syunik province was important for the fact-finding
activities, because until the receipt of the alarming-calls, the
representatives of our subdivision in Syunik province maintained a constant
contact with the municipality of Kapan, including the Administrative Head of
Nerkin Hand.
During
the visit to Nerkin Hand community, the working group held meetings with the
Head of the community and the residents, monitored the areas in the vicinity of
the cemetery, memorial to the victims of the Patriotic War and Shinategh
village, and documented the issues related to the exercise of the rights of the
residents.
As
a result of conversations and discussions, it was registered that the deployment
of the Azerbaijani armed forces in the beginning of March 2022 on the hill
located in the vicinity of the cemetery of Nerkin Hand, the memorial to the
victims of the Patriotic War and Shinategh village, are recent. Previously the
residents had not noticed Azerbaijani servicemen or positions in the mentioned
areas, noting that they had collected wood from that area two month ago.
Moreover, according to the residents, the village shepherded was the first
person to notice the Azerbaijani servicemen.
In
the current situation, it is imperative to mention that the main occupation of
the residents of Nerkin Hand is cattle raising and agriculture.
As
a result of the new deployments of the Azerbaijani armed forces, the cemetery
of the community, the memorial to the victims of the Patriotic War, the church,
as well as a large segment of the pasture of the village (around 50 hectares),
the arable lands and gardens of some of the residents of the village have come
under the direct line of fire and surveillance of Azerbaijani servicemen. This
situation has created serious difficulties for the residents who are engaged in
raising cattle and agriculture
Although
there was no panic in the village, the residents of the village were in an
uncertain situation.
The
working group has also registered that on March 16, 2022, the Governor of
Syunik province and representatives of the command staff of the Ministry of
Defense had met the residents in Nerkin Hand community. Moreover, the Head of
Kapan community and his deputies have regularly held meetings with the
residents these days.
During
the visit, the working group also held meetings with the Head of Kapan
community, the regional administration Syunik province and other competent
officials.
The
results and conclusions of the visit of the representatives Human Rights
Defender, as well as the proposals for the solution of the mentioned and other
issues, were sent to the Government.
The Human Rights
Defender will continue to pursue the issues of solving the problems of the
residents of the communities, including those of Nerkin Hand.
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