Haci Ali Acikgul: IPHRC delegation was shocked by destruction scale in Karabakh

The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) was shocked to see the extent of irreversible damage to infrastructure in Karabakh, deputy chairman of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Haci Ali Acikgul, said at the 3rd international conference on “Mitigating Environmental Impact of Landmines: Resource Mobilization for Safe and Green Future” in Zangilan, Report informs.

“We made a fact-finding visit to Karabakh in September 2021, followed by a follow-up visit in 2023 to assess the human rights situation and humanitarian assistance in the region. The IPHRC delegation was shocked to see the extent of irreversible damage to the physical infrastructure in the liberated territories. Massive destruction of social and business facilities by the Armenian occupation forces constitutes serious violations of human rights,” he noted.

He said that the mines have caused numerous casualties and injuries among civilians, including children, and have significantly hampered the safe return of formerly displaced persons.

“The presence of mines also impedes agricultural activities, infrastructure development and overall economic recovery in the affected regions,” he added.