Artsakh Ombudsman Condemns Targeting of Emergency Services Building by Azerbaijan

The Ombudsman of Artsakh, Artak Beglaryan, has issued a statement strongly condemning the targeting of the building of the state emergency service, which carries out humanitarian functions, by Azerbaijan.

On October 2, at around 13:40, Azerbaijani armed forces deliberately and forcefully struck the civil infrastructure and civilian objects in the capital of the Republic of Artsakh, Stepanakert.

Specifically, the building of the Artsakh state emergency service, which is involved in rescue and humanitarian activities, was targeted by Azerbaijan. Preliminary reports indicate that, due to the deliberate and targeted attack, there are civilian casualties and extensive material damage. The data is being clarified.

The targeting of individuals and state bodies that carry out humanitarian functions once again confirms that Azerbaijan is conducting military operations, grossly violating the norms of international humanitarian law, including committing grave war crimes.

Prior to this incident, Azerbaijan had used cluster rockets from the “Smerch” multiple rocket launcher system on civilian objects in the town of Hadrut, resulting in injuries to three individuals. This is not the first instance of the use of cluster munitions against civilian objects in recent days, which represents a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law as well.

Ombudsman Artak Beglaryan fiercely condemns Azerbaijan's ongoing war crimes committed daily since September 27, including today’s targeting of the state emergency service. The Ombudsman calls on the international community and human rights organizations to provide a clear assessment of Azerbaijan's actions, defending the rights of the people of the Republic of Artsakh. The international community bears direct responsibility for the consequences of the crimes committed and must prevent any discrimination and disregard against the population of Artsakh based on the political status of Artsakh.