Armenian Ombudsman warns of civilian threats in border regions

Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan on Friday voiced his concern over threats to the civilians in several border regions, stressing the importance of respect for internationally recognized fundamental human rights in the processes of determining of state borders.

As a legally binding principle, he also called for respect for the civilians’ protection, and peace in the target areas. Tatoyan especially called attention to the regions of Syunik and Gegharkunik. “All this must be secured through specialized commission work, which must be carried out well in advance,” he said at a news conference, highlighting also gross violations of human dignity and the existing hazards to the civilians' lives.

The Ombudsman further warned of blatant abuses of peoperty rights, noting that many residents “have difficulty in asserting their right to real estate” despite the availability of ownership certificates. “There are blatant violations of property rights, as people possessing certificates of ownership are not able to use the areas under their control because they are Azerbaijani [territories]. In another episode, landlots and houses appear under direct target, preventing those people from any chance to use the lands amid the continuing shootings,” he added.