Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry Statement on Bombing Nuclear Power Plant is an Overt Threat to Civilian Population, Joseph Sigile

Joseph Sigile, Secretary General of the European Ombudsman Institute, has made an official statement: "Human rights do not have borders. The European Ombudsman Institute is deeply concerned about the violence being inflicted on civilian settlements occurring along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

The European Ombudsman Institute, guided solely by the principles of human rights, strongly urges both sides to protect peaceful settlements and to immediately refrain from shelling and bombardments against the civilian population, free from political influences.

We are particularly worried about yesterday's official statement from Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense indicating that they may target Armenia's Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). This statement is an overt threat to the civilian population and could lead to a humanitarian disaster. Such declarations undermine the international human rights system. International humanitarian law absolutely prohibits such acts of terror against civilian populations.

Human rights are universal; they must be protected worldwide, whether in Europe, Asia, the Americas, or anywhere else. The European Ombudsman Institute will continue to monitor the situation closely for the purpose of defending human rights.

The mission of the Ombudspersons in mediating with political decision-makers in their respective countries during this difficult situation should have a continuous objective of protecting the civilian populations of both countries and acting in terms of human rights enforcement."

As a defender of human rights, I express gratitude to Mr. Joseph Sigile for his commitment to human rights values and efforts to protect the civilian population of any country, regardless of circumstances.