A commemorative event dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide was held in Khankendi

The Ombudsman Institution and Karabakh University jointly held a commemorative event in Khankendi dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide with the participation of the academic staff and students, as well as media representatives.

A one-minute moment of silence in memory of the victims of this genocide was observed, following the performance of the national anthem at the beginning of the event.

In her address at the opening ceremony, Sabina Aliyeva, the Ombudsman, stated that the Khojaly tragedy has left an indelible mark on the historical memory of the Azerbaijani people and constitutes a crime of genocide resulting from the gross violation of the norms and principles of international law and international humanitarian law.

The Ombudsman noted that on the night of 25–26 February 1992, 613 civilians, including women and children, were brutally killed, and thousands of people were forcibly displaced from their native homes. The Ombudsman emphasized that this tragedy constituted an integral part of a systematic policy of ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis.

In the speech, it was stated that the first political and legal assessment of the Khojaly genocide was given at the initiative of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and that in the subsequent period consistent steps were taken by the state toward the international recognition of the tragedy. It was also noted that the “Justice for Khojaly” campaign implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has played a significant role in this regard.

The Ombudsman emphasized that, as a result of the victory achieved under the leadership of the country’s President, Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty have been fully restored, and that individuals who committed war crimes have been brought to justice.

Shahin Bayramov, Rector of Karabakh University, said that the Khojaly genocide is a tragedy that holds an important place in the national memory and statehood consciousness of the Azerbaijani people. He noted that commemorating this event at Karabakh University, based in Khankendi, carries particular symbolic significance.

The Rector emphasized that one of the University’s main priorities is to educate students in the spirit of historical truth and patriotism. He stated that the higher education institution operates as an important center contributing to the scientific, social, and intellectual development of the region.

At the event, Füqurə Rüstamova, sister of Azerbaijan’s National Hero Fuzuli Rustamov and a witness to the Khojaly events, delivered a speech in which she shared her experiences from the night of the tragedy and called on young people not to forget history and to convey the truth to future generations.

A video on the Khojaly genocide was demonstrated during the event.

Subsequently, the Ombudsman’s statement marking the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide was read out.

Following the event, the Ombudsman Office donated to the University brand-new digital printing equipment to  support it’s activities.