On 20 June, the RA Human Rights Defender and his representatives visited Baghanis, Voskevan, Voskepar, and Koti borderline villages to carry out fact finding missions on the shelling of civil settlements by the Azerbaijani armed forces earlier in May and June. In accordance with the principles adopted in the international practice, private interviews took place with the Heads of the villages, Head of administrative district and civilians.
Traces of clearly dangerous activities for civilians in villages, including children, women and elderly people were recorded during the fact-finding missions.
The fact-finding missions proved that the houses of civilians were targeted by the Azerbaijani armed forces together with schools and kindergartens. (Photos are attached)
These assaults by the Azerbaijani armed forces harshly violate the international requirements of human rights.
The Human Rights Defender’s Office has already started the conclusion of the result of the fact finding missions. As a result, an ad hoc report will be presented to the respective international organizations.
During his visit, the Ombudsman also got acquainted with other issues of the civilians mostly concerning the social security protection. Necessary steps are being taken towards those issues.