Today, from early morning, the RA Human Rights Defender continued to receive alarms from the residents of Gegharkunik and Syunik marzes, regarding the illegal presence of the Azerbaijani armed forces in the pastures in the direction of the RA civil settlements since 12 May, 2021.

In particular, calls were received from Vardenis, Kut, Verin Shorzha, Gegharkunik, as well as from Goris, Verishen, Khnatsakh, Khoznavar, Vaghatur settlements of Syunik.

Investigations by the Human Rights Defender’s Office, including those of the Gegharkunik and Syunik units, confirm that the illegal actions of the Azerbaijani military grossly violate the rights of the border residents of the Republic of Armenia. The ombudsman’s staff recorded alarms in the media.

The illegal presence of the Azerbaijani military deprives the border residents of Armenia of the only source of income for their families, the opportunity to engage in livestock farming, use pastures, and pose a real threat to access to irrigation and drinking water in communities (for example, the Sev Lich (Black Lake) area). The presence of Azerbaijani armed forces in these areas is a real threat to human life and security, undermines their mental immunity. Tensions have been rising in Armenian society since 12 May.

The RA Human Rights Defender draws the attention of international organizations to these alarms, stating that the mentioned rights of the RA border residents are internationally recognized and guaranteed by the RA Constitution.