“I thought I would never see my parents again”: the Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh and the Center for Law and Justice “Tatoyan” Foundation published a new report in English on the situation of children in Artsakh

Already for 78 days, the children of Artsakh have been living in inhumane conditions which no words can really describe.

The Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh carried out their fact-finding activities in Artsakh and the Center for Law and Justice “Tatoyan” Foundation in ArmenIa.

Collected evidence is analyzed in a joint report, which confirms violations of children’s rights because of the so-called “eco-activists” who blockaded the only road of life connecting Artsakh to Armenia and the outside world.

Specifically, the report recorded all the health, psychological and social problems that arose for children as a result of Azerbaijani illegal acts.

Just several examples:

According to the latest data published by the Health Ministry of Artsakh; “recently, due to the ongoing stress caused by the uncertainties and threats arising from Azerbaijani criminal activities, compared to the same period of last year there is an increase in nervous and psychological problems among adults and especially children in Artsakh, which was demonstrated by a 46% increase in children’s visits to neurologists and psychologists, and a 47% increase in the case of adults.”

Dozens of children are still separated from their families as a result of the road closure, which has again led to serious psychological problems.

There are children, who need special medications that they cannot get.

The season of flu and acute respiratory infections are characterized by a high number of sick children, whose treatment is difficult in the absence of antibiotics.

Sick children have to go through additional hardships, especially since gas and electricity are regularly cut off.

The absence of dairy products for children makes parents and their kids face additional problems.

The food supplies are almost consumed.

According to the testimony of one child presented to the Artsakh Human Rights Ombudsman, while leaving Armenia for Artsakh by the closed road, when people who declared themselves “eco-activists” entered the children’s bus and terrorized them, he had psychological problems and fear, that they will be transferred to the Azerbaijani-controlled city of Shushi, and he will never be able to see his parents.

Crucial support in legal analyses of the report was provided by international lawyers Mr. Garo Ghazarian and Mr. Karnig Kerkonian.

The joint report in English will be sent to international organizations, will be provided to state bodies of Armenia and to professional organizations.

Link to the report: https://bit.ly/3mdImg7

Photo: Davit Ghahramanyan.