On May 21, as part of her working visit to Syunik region,
the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, Ms. Anahit Manasyan,
visited Khoznavar and Khnatsakh settlements of the Tegh enlarged community.
The aim of the visit was to get acquainted with the human
rights situation on the ground and conduct fact-finding activities.
Accompanied by the head of the community, Mr. Davit
Ghulunts, the Defender and representatives of the Human Rights Defender's Office
met with residents in the border settlements, listened to their concerns, and
also toured the settlements.
Residents expressed concerns about their lives and
security, property, education, employment and other fundamental rights. The
need to build water supply and drainage systems, gasification of some houses,
lack of public transport, problems with receiving pensions in a noncash due to
the lack of ATMs, access to emergency services and other issues were also
raised.
The Human Rights Defender recorded that under the current
security situation at the border, it has become difficult for residents to
engage in agriculture and provide for the vital needs of their families.
The Defender specifically emphasizes that the shootings
by the Azerbaijani armed forces near the civilian settlements of the Republic
of Armenia is a challenge from the perspective of the entire human rights
system, these actions grossly violate the principles of international law, pose
a real threat to the right to life and security of the civilian population, to
live in dignified conditions, as well as from the perspective of ensuring other
fundamental rights.
In this context, all the records made by the Defender,
including information shared to the Defender in a confidential manner, will be
addressed according to jurisdiction.
It is important to emphasize that at the time of the
Defender's visit, road construction work was underway in the Khoznavar
settlement, which people also positively assessed, noting that this would facilitate
their movement to neighboring communities, as well as make it more accessible
to use various services.
Meanwhile, in the case of the Khnatsakh settlement,
concerns were raised that the road leading to the settlement was not in good
condition and that appropriate work should be carried out in this direction as
well.
In both villages, there was a need to carry out
construction work on inter-village roads.
In both settlements, people particularly emphasized the
need to ensure employment, as well as the resolution of other issues aimed at
improving socio-living conditions.
The Defender visited kindergartens in the above-mentioned
settlements, and also a school in Khnatsakh. Meetings were held with the staff
and students of the institutions. The Defender got acquainted with the building
conditions, the educational process and working conditions.
The Defender assured that the problems will be raised and
addressed to the competent state bodies according to the sectors.
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