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Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of the Republic of Azerbaijan Elmira Suleymanova has issued statement regarding the 22nd anniversary of the Khojaly Genocide.
Press service of the Ombudsperson’s Office told APA that the crime committed in Khojaly by the Armenian armed forces together with the 366th motor-rifling regiment of former Soviet troops in Khankandi on the night from 25 to 26 February was one of the unprecedented events not only in the history of Nagorno-Karabakh war but also of the world wars due to its horrible results. The statement reads: “A lot of heavy military equipment of this regiment consisting also of Armenian officers entered the town from three directions; the houses and social infrastructure were destroyed and burned down. The perpetrators annihilated Azerbaijanis who were forced to abandon the town in horror not even providing the corridor for them to leave the city. During Khojaly genocide committed by Armenian aggressors against the Azerbaijani people, 613 people, including 106 women, 63 children and 70 old people were killed within some hours. 487 people were injured, 1275 civilians were taken captive. The fate of 150 of persons who have gone missing still is unknown. During that genocide eight families were totally exterminated, 25 children were deprived of both, 130 children were deprived of one parent, civilians were killed with savagery, captives and hostages were subjected to merciless torture. Fundamental human rights, basic right – right to life, of Azerbaijanis were violated in a mass scale.”
The statement notes that the fact that the Khojaly genocide followed by gross violations of human rights has not received legal recognition at the international level yet; no concrete measures have been taken against the terrorist acts provoke regret: “Efforts of international organizations towards the resolution of this conflict should be strengthened according to the norms and principles of international law without double standards. The tragedy should be recognized as a genocide act, sanctions should be imposed on Armenia by competent international organizations. Armenia should renounce its territorial claims and implement the provisions of international legal acts adopted in connection with this conflict as well as should stop occupation and aggression. Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, the violated rights of refugees and IDPs should be restored and they should return to their native lands, captives and hostages should be liberated.”
The statement is addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, European Commission, Council of Europe, Council of Europe, OSCE, International Ombudsman Institute, European Ombudsman Institute and Asian Ombudsman Association, International Peace Bureau, International Peace Federation, ombudspersons of foreign countries, embassies of Azerbaijan abroad, as well as the foreign embassies in Azerbaijan, and organizations of Azerbaijani Diaspora.
Apa.az
