Armenia’s Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) Arman Tatoyan on Friday warned against considering the border delimitation and demarcation issue only from the political and military perspectives especially due to the consequences of last year’s war and the policy of Armenophobia of the Azerbaijani authorities.
In a post on his Facebook page, Tatoyan said the Armenian government must put the rights of the population – and human rights in general – at the core of discussions on the delimitation and demarcation of the country’s borders.
“The current approach of the government is extremely dangerous, especially in the long run, including in connection with the mechanisms proposed by international observers,” he said, pointing to the government’s failure to ensure the implementation of positive obligations.
“Due to the current approaches of the government, some government institutions are failing to perform their functions,” he said.
The ombudsman stressed the importance of creating a security zone at all the border parts around Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces, adding it will help reinstate the rights of the Armenian people, guarantee their normal life and security, along with other vital rights.
“Delimitation and demarcation can last for more than decades, and the rights of Armenian residents cannot remain violated for decades, with their life and security seriously endangered.
"Internationally, it is a direct requirement that demarcation and demarcation are not legitimate if they disrupt the everyday life of the border population and do not take into account human rights and the rule of law,” the ombudsman said.