The Ombudsman joined an online commemorative event dedicated to the anniversary of the Khojaly Genocide, held in Ukraine

The Human Rights Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, joined the online commemorative event dedicated to the 33^rd anniversary of the Khojaly Genocide organized by the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Kharkiv, Ukraine.  

While speaking, the Ombudsman provided information about the Khojaly genocide carried out against peaceful civilians by the armed forces of Armenia, backed by the 366th motorized rifle regiment of the former Soviet army on the night from 25 to 26 February, 1992.

The Ombudsman stated that as a result of this genocide, the fundamental human rights and the norms and principles of international humanitarian law have been severely violated; 613 residents of Khojaly city, including 63 children, 106 women, and 70 elderly people have been mercilessly killed. She also noted that the fate of 150 people taken hostage at the time, including 68 women and 26 children, still remains unknown.

The Ombudsman said that, annually, relevant statements were prepared and sent to international organizations on the anniversary of the Khojaly Genocide. However, this crime has not yet gained international political and legal recognition because of the double standards against Azerbaijan.

Sabina Aliyeva underlined the significance of classifying the crimes against the civilians in Khojaly as genocide and bringing those responsible to justice.