Azerbaijani Soldiers Place 'Welcome to Azerbaijan' Sign on Intercommunity Road, Ombudsperson Reports

The authorities of Azerbaijan continue to commit acts that violate the internationally recognized rights of the residents living along the Armenian border (specific justifications based on concrete factors).

In particular, Azerbaijani soldiers have installed a sign reading 'Welcome to Azerbaijan' in both Azerbaijani and English, along with Azerbaijani flags, on the intercommunity road connecting the city of Kapan in Armenia to the village of Chakateng and several other peaceful settlements.

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia has recently been receiving alarming messages of anger and concern from residents of Kapan city, as well as the villages of Chakateng, Shikahogh, Srashen, Tsav, Nerkin Hand, and Shishkert regarding this sign. The same applies to the installation of flags in areas along this road. The head of the Kapan community is also expected to provide necessary information to the Defender.

Residents of these communities have reported that these actions by the Azerbaijani authorities are intended to grossly infringe upon their physical security and mental integrity, as well as other rights critical to their livelihood, violating the interests of children. These acts target peaceful civilians and, combined with almost daily gunfire, increase tensions in these Armenian villages.

Following these reports, the regional and central divisions of the Human Rights Defender's office in Armenia initiated an immediate detailed investigation. Observations were conducted on-site, as well as discussions held with residents.

As a result, the alarm raised by residents of the Kapan community and community bodies was confirmed. The Human Rights Defender of Armenia deems it necessary to analyze the actions of the Azerbaijani authorities from at least the following perspectives: (1) Azerbaijan continues a state policy of organized hatred and animosity against Armenians, (2) the highest authorities of Azerbaijan openly speak of ethnic cleansing and genocide against the Armenian people, using language that humiliates the dignity of the entire Armenian nation, (3) new calls for war against Armenia are publicly made in Azerbaijan, including by well-known figures in the public domain and even those representing human rights, (4) Azerbaijani soldiers have been firing nearly every day from small and large caliber weapons near the villages of Kapan community for more than a month, allegedly while intoxicated, as noted by villagers, (5) armed Azerbaijani soldiers are present along the road leading from Kapan city to Chakateng, (6) the process of determining the borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan, during which such signs and flags were placed, has been marked by gross violations and dangers to human rights, contradicting the foundations of the international human rights system and the supremacy of rights, thus lacking legal force, (7) the Azerbaijani armed forces have engaged in torture, inhumane treatment, and other war crimes against Armenian military personnel and civilians, especially during and after the war of September-November 2020.

Therefore, it is evident that the actions of Azerbaijani soldiers are made in a manner that violates the rights of residents living in border areas of the Republic of Armenia, threatening them outright (especially children and women). This situation cannot contribute to peace in the region in any way; it only generates tension and infringes upon the internationally recognized rights and interests of peaceful inhabitants guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia.

Reports concerning these facts will be sent to international organizations, including the OSCE, the UN, and the Council of Europe (with necessary evidence). Separate reports will also be submitted to special mechanisms of intergovernmental organizations.