Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan along with the representatives of his staff on Wednesday visited Baghanis, Voskevan, Voskepar and Koti border villages of Armenia’s Tavush province to carry out fact-finding activities regarding the shelling of civilian settlements by the Azerbaijani armed forces in the period from May to June.  

In accordance with the special principles accepted in the international practice, tête-à-tête talks were held with governors, heads of administrative districts and villagers. Examinations of the public data on location and shelling, etc, were conducted.

The fact-finding activities revealed traces of actions, which were obviously dangerous for the lives of peaceful residents, including children, women and elderly people, the staff of Human Rights Defender informed Armenian News – NEWS.am. It was also revealed that the kindergartens and schools of the villages were shelled as well. All this is indicative of the fact that targeted shots were fired in the direction of peaceful residents.

These inroads by the Azerbaijani armed forces evidently violate the international requirements with respect to human rights.

The staff of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia has already started summing up by a special method the work done. Afterwards a special report will be drawn up in order to be presented to the competent international organiations.

During the visit to Tavush, the Human Rights Defender also got familiarized with the issues of residents of border villages, which mainly related to the right of social security. Necessary steps are being taken to resolve them.