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Armenian Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan on Monday issued a statement marking one year since the forced displacement of more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Her full statement is provided below.

"One year ago, from September 24 to 30, 2023, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians were forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh.

That was a testament to the ongoing human suffering and a consequence of gross violations of rights.

From a human rights protection standpoint, it was an emergency that required swift response and a new methodology of work aimed at guaranteeing the rights of forcibly displaced persons in safe and dignified conditions.

In September 2023, I personally visited Goris, Kornidzor, and Vayk with my staff to assess the issues faced by forcibly displaced persons and to find prompt solutions. Our work continued into the night. Following this, we carried on with visits to temporary shelters for displaced individuals, including joint visits with international actors. As a result of conversations with hundreds of people, information was gathered regarding incidents that occurred in the period preceding the displacement, including reports of deaths, torture, desecration and mutilation of bodies among the civilian population and other forms of ill-treatment prohibited by international law.

The documented information was summarized in the ad hoc report of the Human Rights Defender, which, along with a confidential section proving the facts, was submitted by me to international organizations and actors with the human rights protection mandate. Furthermore, on January 12, 2024, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović (served from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2024), published her observations on the issue, also referring to the cases of violence, torture, and mutilation described in the ad hoc report of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia.

The protection of the rights of forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh remains one of the key areas of focus for our institution, as evidenced by the extensive daily work carried out by our small team.

In this context, I find it important to emphasize that all our actions are aimed at guaranteeing the right of people to live in dignified conditions, ensuring the full protection of their social and educational rights, providing support in accessing healthcare and psychological services, and addressing other issues within our mandate. This year, we have also paid special attention to the protection of the rights of children, women, and persons with disabilities, striving to include them in relevant support programs.

Despite the efforts made 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 clearly established procedures for the protection of their rights.

In this context, it is essential to continue efforts to clarify the fates of persons whose whereabouts are unknown and to ensure the rights of their families.

Regarding the ethnic Armenians deprived of their liberty in Azerbaijan, I have repeatedly noted that the interference with their fundamental rights occurs with 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 the proper examination of cases in accordance with the requirements of due process cannot be ensured by a fair and impartial court.

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

Dear compatriots,

I am confident that we must unite and support each other in the spirit of compassion, solidarity, and unity."