Report: During war, Armenia grossly violated norms of international humanitarian law

“The occupation of territories of Azerbaijan for 30 years in violation of international law and the non-return of the Azerbaijanis, forcibly fled their homes, despite the pending peace negotiations during those years is a direct result of Anti-Azerbaijani policy. This is proved by the humiliation of the state symbols and historical monuments of Azerbaijan, and the moral values of the Azerbaijanis by the occupying forces,” reads a Report on Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Against Azerbaijanis prepared by the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Report informs.

“For many years, the presence of persons, directly involved in ethnic cleansing policy against Azerbaijanis, in the political power of Armenia in a sense undermines the establishment of negotiations and restoration of peace. The new forces, who came to power in Armenia in 2018, also continued the hatred policy of their predecessors and made speeches that would deepen the conflict and lead to war. During a meeting with Armenians living in the occupied Khankendi city of Azerbaijan in 2019, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said “Artsakh is Armenia and the point.” He reaffirmed that the real intention of Armenia is to continue the policy of occupation, disregarded the rights of internally displaced persons, and expressed clearly the hatred against Azerbaijanis,” the report noted.

“Since September 27, 2020, the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan have launched counteroffensive operations for the prevention of regular ceasefire violations and for ending new territorial claims by Armenia. As a result of the 44-day war, Azerbaijan has restored its territorial integrity by liberating its occupied lands under the requirements of international law. During the war, Armenia has launched attacks with prohibited rockets on Ganja, Barda, Tartar and densely populated cities of Azerbaijan located far from the zone of active hostilities, in violation of the norms of international humanitarian law. These six rocket attacks on Ganja and Barda have resulted in the killing of 60 civilians and wounding more than 200,” reads the report.