Your trusted source

The interim report of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Artsakh on atrocities against civilian population and human rights violations committed by Azerbaijani forces during the 2016 April has been widely disseminated and become a topic for discussions in many international structures, Artsakh Ombudsman Ruben Melikyan told a press conference on Saturday in Yerevan.

“Our mandate is to conduct a fact-finding mission within our capacities, summarize the data in a way conceivable for the international community. In this case, we have compiled and published a report that, as evidenced by many colleagues of mine, was in line with international criteria. The document has been widely disseminated not only by us but also our colleagues that turned the matter into an agenda item and food for discussions for many structures,” Melikyan said.

The Artsakh Human Rights Defender next stressed the work toward voicing the human right violations committed by Azerbaijan forces will be continued during various trips.

Speaking of the cases concerning the rights of those injured and killed during the April war and filed against Azerbaijan at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Melikyan informed, 23 cases have been communicated with the Court and referred to gross violations of human rights of the people occurred under Azerbaijani captivity.

Melikyan added no communication has started about the cases related to the bombardment of civilian population.  “The European Court has naturally started the review based on the highest priority of the human rights,” Melikyan explained.