Artsakh Ombudsman Investigates Photos Shared on Social Media

The Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Artsakh has conducted an investigation into the origins and content of certain photographs related to children that have been circulated on social media. This follows concerns regarding claims about children's involvement in these images and highlights the importance of protecting children's rights, as reported by the Artsakh Ombudsman’s office.

“The findings of the investigation revealed the following circumstances:

1. In one of the photos, girls are seen being presented with assault rifles by their fathers and other relatives who are veterans. Analysis of the photo clearly shows that they are not even skilled in holding firearms, and the claims regarding children's participation in military operations are unfounded.
2. Another photo features a young boy who is apparently just getting acquainted with a firearm, and notably, without a magazine. However, the Defender has doubts about the origin of this photo, as it has only been found on Azerbaijani online platforms, making it impossible to verify its alleged Armenian source.
3. The third photo shows a boy transporting grenades, who, according to the data gathered by the Defender, is 16 years old and was performing this action alongside his father. It should be noted that international law prohibits the involvement of children under the age of 15 in military operations, and this was the case even if the individual was not directly engaged in hostilities.

The Human Rights Defender, emphasizing the importance of properly protecting children's rights during warfare, states that to date, there have been no recorded incidents of children's involvement in military operations. Nevertheless, the Defender urges everyone to exercise caution regarding the contact of children under 15 with weapons,” the Ombudsman's statement concludes.