Border Demarcation Should Only Take Place After Establishing a Security Zone or Simultaneously: Human Rights Defender

Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan proposes that border demarcation should be carried out only after establishing a security zone or at least simultaneously.

In a statement regarding this matter, the Human Rights Defender specifically notes that under the current circumstances, demarcation with Azerbaijan without a security zone will not only fail to secure the rights of Armenian citizens, particularly those living in border areas, but will also lead to new violations of rights and increase tensions, undermining peace in the region.

“Certain officials and public figures have made dangerously simplistic statements about the borders of Armenia in recent days, speaking in mechanical terms and referencing merely some maps or simply using the terms 'demarcation' and 'delimitation.' I caution those officials and public figures that your mechanical statements directly contradict the rights and legitimate interests of the entire population of Armenia, especially border residents. These irresponsible statements dull our people's vigilance and jeopardize the rights and peaceful future of our children in the long run. Correct border demarcation is an important guarantee of human rights, but issues of demarcation cannot be approached mechanically,” stressed Arman Tatoyan.

He further explained that demarcation directly affects the rights of people living in our border villages and cities (including rights to property, agricultural and livestock activities, dignity, safety, and peaceful living).

It should not be forgotten that at the highest level of Azerbaijani authority, Armenia and the Armenian people are considered enemies, and anti-Armenian sentiment is state-sponsored. We must not forget that only a few months ago, Azerbaijani soldiers tortured and decapitated our compatriots, and they have faced no accountability for these actions, which were even encouraged. It should also not be overlooked that after the cessation of armed attacks, there have been numerous violations of human rights by Azerbaijani military personnel in Syunik and Gegharkunik, as well as the fact that Azerbaijani authorities still refuse to return our prisoners, grossly violating international guarantees of human rights.

We must do the exact opposite: demarcation should only be carried out after the establishment of a security zone or at least simultaneously,” emphasized Arman Tatoyan.