Human Rights Defender's Staff Visits Syunik Province to Assess the Situation

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, announced on his Facebook page: "Our staff delegation has traveled to the Syunik province of Armenia to assess the situation at the borders, conduct fact-finding activities, and protect the rights of border residents.

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia specifically informs international organizations that the illegal advance of Azerbaijani armed forces into the territory of the Republic of Armenia, particularly in the area of the Black Lake and its adjacent regions towards civilian settlements, grossly violates the rights of border residents of Armenia and aims to terrorize people.

The presence of Azerbaijani soldiers severely disrupts the international requirements for human rights and deprives Armenian citizens of the opportunity to engage in livestock farming, which is their only source of income, and to utilize pastures. This poses an actual danger to the residents of the communities regarding access to irrigation and drinking water, as well as their lives and safety.

This illegal act by the Azerbaijani armed forces once again proves the absolute necessity of creating a security zone, as proposed by the Human Rights Defender, which would guarantee the rights and peaceful lives of border residents of Armenia, as well as the physical and mental integrity of people.

During the Defender's visit to the Syunik province, fact-finding activities will be conducted on special principles, and steps will be taken to protect the rights of Armenia’s border residents.