The Ombudsman's Appeal concerning Armenia's Next Armed Provocation

Armenia’s military provocations against Azerbaijan, which pose a threat to peace in the region and contradict the norms of international humanitarian law, are still ongoing.

The firing on the Lachin state border checkpoint from the territory of Armenia on June 15, 2023, at 08:45, and, as a consequence, the injury of a serviceman of the State Border Service, who was serving here is another clear evidence that Armenia is not interested in peace.

As it is known, on April 23, 2023, the "Lachin" border checkpoint was installed on the territory of the Lachin district, along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border, over the Hakari River, and during its operation, the checkpoint ensured the safe passage of vehicles and the residents of Armenian origin living in the Karabakh Economic Region of Azerbaijan.

The firing on this border checkpoint, which is used for humanitarian purposes, not only poses a threat to the lives and safety of the servicemen working there and the civilian population using the checkpoint, but should also be regarded as an intentional act undermining the peacebuilding process in the region and the territorial integrity of the state of Azerbaijan.

As the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I strongly condemn this military provocation, which is a grave violation of international law and international humanitarian law. I call upon international organizations, ombudsman institutions, and national human rights institutions operating in the field of human rights to take a firm stance against such actions by Armenia that pose a threat to peace and development in the region.