Certain Households Report Absence of Basic Household Items: Artsakh Ombudsman on Displaced Persons

The representatives of the Human Rights Defender visited individuals currently displaced from the Kharamor community of the Askeran region, who are temporarily residing in Stepanakert. Due to Azerbaijani criminal actions, the normal life of the Kharamor and Parukh communities has been disrupted, affecting more than 400 individuals, including women, children, and the elderly.

Some of the displaced persons have found temporary accommodation in the homes of relatives and friends, while others have been provided with temporary shelters by the Government. During private conversations with the displaced individuals, it was noted that they have received essential support from the Askeran regional administration, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, with needs assessments conducted by the Ministry of Social Development and Migration.

The mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Artsakh has provided food and hygiene items to the displaced population from Kharamor and Parukh communities, and financial support will also be provided.

The Ombudsman draws the attention of the authorities to the following issues observed: – A high degree of psychological vulnerability exists among displaced persons, necessitating psychological support measures. – Certain households report the absence of specific household items. – The right to education of children has been violated, as preschool and school-aged children displaced from these communities have been deprived of the opportunity to receive education in their familiar environment. – There is a lack of opportunities to exercise the right to dignified work among the displaced individuals from these communities.

The Ombudsman’s staff continues to monitor the protection of the rights of individuals with a high degree of vulnerability, particularly the displaced population, compiling issues that arise and sending them to the relevant state authorities.