What Security Issues Exist in the Shosh Community? Artsakh Ombudsman’s Office Visits Shosh Village

On February 11, the Office of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Artsakh, led by the acting deputy Arsen Sarajyan, visited the village of Shosh in the Askeran region to familiarize themselves with the efforts to restore normal life in the community and to assess the situation regarding the protection of citizens' rights.

During the visit, the community leader reported that necessary work is being done to enable residents to return to the community, that all infrastructure in the village has been restored, and that more than half of the population has returned.

Due to the war, most of the agricultural lands in the community have come under Azerbaijani control, creating serious employment issues for the local population. Mine clearance operations are being conducted in the area, and awareness measures are being carried out among the population to prevent contact with explosive materials that pose a threat to life and health.

The school has been operational since January 11, and the kindergarten is set to resume activities in the coming week. Public concerns have been raised regarding the safety of children's school attendance, as it is located near the Red Market-Shosh road, which sometimes sees the passage of Azerbaijani military convoys. The Ombudsman’s office witnessed the transit of Azerbaijani convoys escorted by Russian peacekeepers during their visit.

Although children’s school attendance is organized with the escort of the Artsakh police, there is an objective necessity to establish patrolling in the area adjacent to the school and kindergarten to further ensure the children’s safety. Security considerations have also emphasized the urgent need for the implementation of a nighttime lighting system in the community.