Azerbaijan Uses Armenian Gravestones as Construction Materials for Roads: Artsakh Ombudsman

Azerbaijan continues its policy of vandalism by destroying Armenian graves in occupied territories and using gravestones as construction materials for road building. This was reported by the Ombudsman of Artsakh, Gegham Stepanyan, on his Facebook page.

“The destruction of Armenian graves once again showcases the widespread hatred and contempt of the Azerbaijani leadership and society towards the Armenian people, their created values, and their memory. This behavior is not new to us; we have repeatedly witnessed Azerbaijan's atrocities aimed at the life, property, historical values, and memory of the Armenian people in Artsakh. The purpose of Azerbaijan's criminal behavior is clear: to eliminate any trace and evidence of the centuries-old existence of Armenians in the occupied territories.

According to the customary norms of international humanitarian law, conflicting parties must show respect for the graves they control, distinguish gravesites with markers, and ensure their preservation. By desecrating and destroying Armenian graves, Azerbaijan grossly violates not only the norms of customary law but also the rights to respect for personal dignity, as well as personal and family life. Azerbaijan must be compelled to fulfill its internationally assumed obligations, and international organizations have a primary duty and mission in this regard. Crimes committed and ongoing by Azerbaijan should not go unpunished, and the international community must be clearly aware of this,” stated the Artsakh Ombudsman.