Protection of Rights of Displaced Persons from Artsakh Remains a Key Focus of Our Institution: Human Rights Defender

One year ago, from September 24 to 30, 2023, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians were forcibly displaced from Artsakh. This announcement was made by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Anahit Manasyan.

“This event was a testament to ongoing human suffering and the consequences of gross violations of rights. In terms of human rights protection, it was an extraordinary situation that required immediate response and a new methodology aimed at ensuring the rights of forcibly displaced persons in safe and dignified conditions. In September 2023, I personally visited Goris, Kornidzor, and Vayk with a team to familiarize myself with the issues faced by the forcibly displaced persons and to find prompt solutions for them; work was also conducted during nighttime hours. Subsequently, we continued visits to the temporary accommodations of forcibly displaced persons, including joint visits with international stakeholders.

As a result of conversations with hundreds of individuals, information was gathered regarding deaths among civilians, torture, desecration of bodies, dismemberment, and other treatment prohibited by international law prior to the displacement. Documented information has been compiled in the Human Rights Defender's urgent report, which I presented to international organizations and actors with a mandate for human rights protection, including the confidential section proving the truth.

Furthermore, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, who has served since April 1, 2018, until March 31, 2024, published her observations on this issue on January 12, 2024, also referencing the instances of violence, torture, and dismemberment described in the report of the Armenian Human Rights Defender.

The protection of the rights of forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh remains a key focus of our institution's work, as evidenced by the extensive daily efforts of our small team. In this context, I find it crucial to emphasize that all our actions are directed towards guaranteeing the right to live with dignity, the full protection of social and educational rights, providing support in accessing health and psychological services, and addressing several other issues related to our mandate. This year, we have also paid special attention to the rights of children, women, and persons with disabilities, trying to include them in relevant support programs.

Despite the work done by the state to improve the quality of life of displaced persons and fully restore their rights, there is still much to be done in this area. It is extremely important to show our compatriots that they are not alone, that they are under the attention of the state and each of us, and that there are clear procedures in place for protecting their rights. In this context, it is necessary to continue efforts to clarify the fates of those whose whereabouts are unknown and to secure the rights of their families.

As for the ethnic Armenians incarcerated in Azerbaijan, I have repeatedly noted that interference with their fundamental rights occurs through gross violations of international legal standards and guarantees. In an atmosphere of hatred towards ethnic Armenians and violations of the presumption of innocence, their fundamental rights cannot be guaranteed in Azerbaijan, and a proper investigation of cases in accordance with the requirements of fair trial cannot be ensured by a fair and impartial court.

It is important that all actors, including international stakeholders engaged in human rights protection, make active efforts to guarantee the rights of ethnic Armenians deprived of liberty in Azerbaijan and to ensure their return.

Dear compatriots, I am confident that we must unite and support each other in a spirit of compassion, solidarity, and unity,” the statement reads.