UN Working Group Documents Evidence of Mercenary Use in Artsakh Based on Human Rights Defender's Proofs - Tatoyan

The UN working group on the use of mercenaries released a statement on November 11, expressing concern regarding the use of mercenaries by Azerbaijan during military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh and calling for their immediate withdrawal. This was reported by Armenia's Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan.

The statement includes claims previously presented to the working group by the Human Rights Defender. Since October 3, the Human Rights Defender has submitted four requests to the UN working group, analyzing and sending evidence related to the recruitment, transportation, and remuneration of mercenaries.

The Human Rights Defender received official confirmation that his requests were given special consideration. The UN working group expressed concern regarding Turkey's alleged role in sending armed groups from Syria to Azerbaijan. In particular, it noted that the terrorists traveled to Azerbaijan for profit, considering the severe economic situation prevailing in the Syrian Arab Republic.

Reports indicate that financial compensation and Turkish citizenship were promised to their relatives in the event of death. Additionally, it has been recorded that the Syrian militants transferred to Azerbaijan likely have ties to armed groups and individuals accused of committing war crimes and serious human rights violations during the Syrian conflict, making accountability difficult and creating risks for breaches of international law.

The working group has called on supporting states to immediately withdraw mercenaries and refrain from further recruitment, funding, and transportation of mercenaries. Experts from the working group have conveyed their concerns regarding the aforementioned claims directly to the governments of Azerbaijan and Turkey and informed the Syrian Arab Republic.

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia considers individual work with international bodies important to achieve recognition that mercenary terrorists have committed war crimes and atrocities.