One
year ago, from September 24 to 30, 2023, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians
were forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh.
That
was a testament to the ongoing human suffering and a consequence of gross
violations of rights.
From
a human rights protection standpoint, it was an emergency that required swift
response and a new methodology of work aimed at guaranteeing the rights of
forcibly displaced persons in safe and dignified conditions.
In
September 2023, I personally visited Goris, Kornidzor, and Vayk with my staff
to assess the issues faced by forcibly displaced persons and to find prompt
solutions. Our work continued into the night. Following this, we carried on
with visits to temporary shelters for displaced individuals, including joint
visits with international actors. As a result of conversations with hundreds of
people, information was gathered regarding incidents that occurred in the
period preceding the displacement, including reports of deaths, torture,
desecration and mutilation of bodies among the civilian population and other
forms of ill-treatment prohibited by international law.
The
documented information was summarized in the ad hoc report of the Human Rights
Defender, which, along with a confidential section proving the facts, was
submitted by me to international organizations and actors with the human rights
protection mandate. Furthermore, on January 12, 2024, the Council of Europe
Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović (served from April 1, 2018 to
March 31, 2024), published her observations on the issue, also referring to the
cases of violence, torture, and mutilation described in the ad hoc report of
the Human Rights Defender of Armenia.
The
protection of the rights of forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh
remains one of the key areas of focus for our institution, as evidenced by the
extensive daily work carried out by our small team.
In
this context, I find it important to emphasize that all our actions are aimed
at guaranteeing the right of people to live in dignified conditions, ensuring
the full protection of their social and educational rights, providing support
in accessing healthcare and psychological services, and addressing other issues
within our mandate. This year, we have also paid special attention to the
protection of the rights of children, women, and persons with disabilities,
striving to include them in relevant support programs.
Despite
the efforts made by the state to improve the quality of life of displaced
persons and fully restore their rights, there is still much to be done in this
area.
It is
extremely important to show our compatriots that they are not alone, that they
are under the attention of the state and each of us, and that there are clearly
established procedures for the protection of their rights.
In
this context, it is essential to continue efforts to clarify the fates of
persons whose whereabouts are unknown and to ensure the rights of their
families.
Regarding
the ethnic Armenians deprived of their liberty in Azerbaijan, I have repeatedly
noted that the interference with their fundamental rights occurs with gross
violations of international legal standards and guarantees. In an atmosphere of
hatred towards ethnic Armenians and violations of the presumption of innocence,
their fundamental rights cannot be guaranteed in Azerbaijan, and the proper
examination of cases in accordance with the requirements of due process cannot
be ensured by a fair and impartial court.
It is
important for all stakeholders, including international actors engaged in human
rights protection, to make active efforts to guarantee the rights of ethnic
Armenians deprived of their liberty in Azerbaijan and to facilitate their
return.
Dear
compatriots,
I am
confident that we must unite and support each other in the spirit of
compassion, solidarity, and unity.
Anahit
Manasyan
Human
Rights Defender of Armenia
Հայերեն
