The West Demonstrates Unity in Ukraine but Not in Artsakh: Ombudsman of Artsakh

There is no doubt that the world lives by double standards. During an interview, this was stated by Gegham Stepanyan, the Ombudsman of Artsakh. “Our example is the most striking, which shows that the same collective West demonstrates unity and cohesion regarding Ukraine, while regarding Artsakh, it does not. Of course, we see a difference between the statements during the 44-day war and now concerning their relevance, as at least now these statements are being made purposefully. In recent days, following the start of the popular movement, we have received quite active responses from various places on this occasion, but I want to emphasize again that we must break this approach of double standards. Azerbaijani oil and gas cannot and should not take precedence over the rights and fate of 120,000 people,” Stepanyan noted.

The Ombudsman of Artsakh emphasized that their reports contain exact figures, statistical data, and that in any section of rights where statistical data is presented, there are also human stories provided at the same location. “In human stories, how a person experiences daily life, what feelings they have, and what sufferings they endure are represented more vividly. These human stories are updated regularly, and we are currently working on the publication of our new report, which will include new stories. Overall, the impact, the flood of emotions, when it becomes your daily work, in some way dulls you, but that is also our mission, to preserve the ability to empathize with these human experiences. In any case, we not only record but also undertake all actions within the powers of the Ombudsman’s institution to support these citizens,” the Ombudsman summarized.

“There are many stories, and hundreds of Artsakh residents contact us daily, each with their own issues. Especially during this crisis, considerable attention is being paid to addressing the needs of large families, elderly individuals living alone, and those with disabilities regarding their bread issues. Each story has its own tragedy, which should not only be recorded to present to the world but also to take actions to support these families. Moreover, the primary addressees of the problems presented are state agencies, but we do not operate with that philosophy in our office. If we can support with what we have on the ground, we do not hesitate,” the Ombudsman of Artsakh concluded.