Ministry of Defense Should Conduct Awareness Work with Residents of Nerkhin Hand: Armenian Ombudsman

In Nerkhin Hand, Syunik Province, an appeal has been submitted to the Armenian government based on the fact-finding group's work and meetings held by the Office of the Human Rights Defender (HRD) of Armenia. The proposal recommends that the Ministry of Defense conduct awareness and explanatory work with the community's residents. This was stated by the HRD Kristinne Grigoryan in response to a query from Armenpress, noting that timely warnings and explanations about the situation would strengthen residents' belief that the Armenian Armed Forces are in control of the situation and can fully guarantee the safety of the residents.

“Recently, various news regarding Nerkhin Hand have increased. Can you clearly present your position based on the analyses and conclusions made by the rapid response group of the HRD?” the inquiry mentions.

“First and foremost, I would like to note that the interpretations circulated through various media outlets regarding the fact-finding visit to Nerkhin Hand, implying that the statement of the Ministry of Defense has been refuted, distorts the reality. This can be verified by reading our statements made based on the outcomes of the visit. During our fact-finding visit in Nerkhin Hand, residents mentioned that they had recently seen the movement of Azerbaijani soldiers in the area of concern. Residents expressed their worries that areas used by them as pastures, including the cemetery, the memorial dedicated to the victims of the Great Patriotic War, and the lands near a place called Shinategh, are under the targeting scope of military positions. Some villagers have expressed concerns regarding potential risks for the use of their homestead lands or gardens,” the HRD noted.

“Our group also observed that on March 16, 2022, the Governor of Syunik Province and representatives of the Ministry of Defense commanded staff met with residents in Nerkhin Hand. Additionally, during these days, the head of the Kapan community and his deputies have been conducting regular meetings with the residents. Based on the meetings with the residents, we have included in our proposals presented to the government a recommendation that the defense ministry, in coordination with local government and self-government officials, should conduct awareness and explanatory work with the community residents, providing timely warnings and explanations about the situation, thereby strengthening the belief among residents that the Armenian Armed Forces are in control and can fully ensure their safety.

Such communication is essential for ensuring a proper psychological state among the population and establishing a well-functioning community-military relationship in communities that are near the contact zone and more vulnerable. Our meetings have shown that residents need such communication, which in turn would prevent the possibility of the populace being misled by manipulative information circulated through social media and the press (including by the opposing side),” the HRD emphasized.