The Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) are facing a threat of ethnic cleansing as a result of Azerbaijan’s policy, the Human Rights Defender of Armenia Anahit Manasyan warned Monday. She said that this must be concerning not only for Armenians but also the entire international community.
“We are all concerned over these issues, because the Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh are facing a threat of ethnic cleansing. And not only us but the international community too must be concerned over this. I am myself trying to raise these issues in every possible way, during discussions with all possible actors, within the framework of drafting all possible documents,” Manasyan told reporters.
The Ombudsperson called for united efforts to accurately and properly resolve the issue.
Speaking about her recent trip to the village of Tegh, where the recent Azerbaijani provocations took place, Manasyan said that although she admires the courage of the locals, there are serious problems in terms of human rights protection.
“In particular, very serious problems exist there in terms of our citizens’ right to life and security, property, education, physical and psychological inviolability and several other rights. We must engage in a very coordinated and accurate policy in this regard,” she said.
In context of protecting these rights, as well as the rights of the Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, Manasyan called for a very clear assessment by the international community.
She said she will present relevant recommendations to the government agencies.
The Ombudsperson’s office is ready to be involved in finding solutions to the issues, she said.
