The Response of the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan to the statement of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe

We consider that the recent statement of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe (COE) regarding the Lachin Road is the continuation of the process of supporting manipulation of the Armenian authorities regarding allegations of the humanitarian situation in Khankendi city of Azerbaijan.

We expected the COE Commissioner’s deeper research on this issue and more impartial statement, which may serve to normalize the situation and make a significant contribution to the ongoing peace process which is very crucial at present.

Although the Aghdam-Khankendi road is open and proposed for the transportation of all goods for humanitarian aid, the provocative actions and manipulation of Armenia and its supporters create significant obstacles in this regard. 

We invite the COE Commissioner for Human Rights to respect the territorial integrity of the states, study in depth the existing situation in the region, avoid any political manipulation, combat real obstacles undermining the peace-building process, uphold the universal principles of International Law, and ensure justice and accountability.

Sabina Aliyeva

The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman)

of the Republic of Azerbaijan

28 August 2023