The large-scale military offensive launched by Azerbaijan since early this morning has resulted in casualties and significant damage to the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh). Martakert, Martuni, Stepanakert, other cities and villages are under heavy shelling.

According to the Nagorno Karabakh Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman), a child and a woman were killed and two civilians were injured in the Martuni region of Nagorno Karabakh. Other cases of damage to civilians have also been reported.

All official media reports, alarming statements of the civilian population show that the shelling is targeted. The RA Ombudsman issued a statement about this.

Schools, homes, and other civic facilities are under indiscriminate attack, posing a real threat to the lives and health of women, children, and the entire population of Nagorno-Karabakh.

These gross violations of human rights in violation of UN conventions are an absolute violation of customary international humanitarian law.

These military attacks are more reprehensible under the New Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. The UN Secretary-General has called for an immediate global ceasefire in all parts of the world due to the threat of coronavirus.

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia is in direct contact with the Artsakh Human Rights Defender, the Armenian civilian population.