Opinion of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding Armenia's next military provocation on the Khankendi - Khalfali - Turshsu dirt road in the Karabakh Economic Region of Azerbaijan

Today, in the early hours, Armenia attempted to carry weapons, ammunition, manpower, as well as mines, to the areas of Azerbaijan, where Russian peacekeepers have been temporarily deployed, through the Khankendi-Khalfali-Turshsu dirt road. The members of the armed forces of Azerbaijan were killed and wounded as a result of firing by the adversary side when the units of Azerbaijani Army stopped and checked the vehicles carrying illegal military transportation.

We strongly condemn such provocations by Armenia, which contradict the provisions of the trilateral Statement dated November 10, 2020, lead to serious violations of the rights of human beings, including the right to life, the right to health, and other fundamental rights; creation of new  conflict hotspots in the region; and the suspension of negotiations towards sustainable peace and we demand the other side respect the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, within its internationally recognized borders.  

We think the fulfillment of the provisions of the trilateral Statement signed by the parties must be unconditionally and fully ensured, the illegal Armenian armed groups must be immediately withdrawn from our territories, and the security of the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan must be provided.   

Considering the Khankendi-Lachin road is the only highway that can be used between the Karabakh Economic Region of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia, the transportation of military and other purposes transports through other possible routes must be strictly prohibited to protect the lives and health of people and prevent any other provocations that may threaten peace.

Taking into account the previous facts of the transportation of weapons and ammunition, other military supplies, including mines, fuel, and manpower from Armenia to the Karabakh Economic Region, our repeated relevant statements addressed to international organizations in this regard, but the continuation of the provocations despite all warnings, and the existence of a serious threat to the people’s lives and health, we demand to establish an appropriate checkpoint on the Lachin-Khankendi road on the state border of Azerbaijan.     

Furthermore, once more appealing to international and regional organizations, ombudspersons and national human rights institutions of other countries, we call them to demonstrate a strict reaction to human rights violations committed by Armenia in the region and take decisive measures in compliance with the norms and principles of international law to refrain Armenia from such actions that threaten sustainable peace and development in the region.   

Sabina Aliyeva

The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman)

of the Republic of Azerbaijan

05 March 2023