Azerbaijani Forces Threaten Villagers in Vardenis with Display of Weapons, Water Resources Under Their Control, Ombudsman Reports

Azerbaijani armed personnel unlawfully halt villagers near the communities of Gegharkunik region, demanding explanations about their movement, purposes, and what they are transporting, attempting illegal searches of vehicles and issuing threats. This was announced by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan.

“This statement concerns the violations and dangers faced by residents of the border communities in Vardenis, specifically in the villages of Verin Shorja, Nerk’in Shorja, Norabak, and Kut, due to the illegal presence of Azerbaijani armed forces in Armenia’s sovereign territory. In particular, on June 3, 2021, reports were received indicating that Azerbaijani soldiers, armed and traveling in vehicles, periodically descend into the pastures of Verin Shorja village, where barns are located and where villagers graze their livestock. They exhibit cynical behavior, threatening villagers by displaying their weapons. Over the past week, they have positioned themselves closer to the highland sites of Verin Shorja, rendering the use of pastures nearly impossible.

Furthermore, one of the Azerbaijani positions, which is closest to the highland sites, has seen Azerbaijani military illegally halting villagers, demanding explanations regarding their direction of movement, purposes, and what they are transporting, and attempting illegal searches of villagers' vehicles.

Additionally, concerning the village of Kut in Geghamasar community as of June 3, 2021, reports indicate that Azerbaijani soldiers continue to be stationed immediately adjacent to the village, severely limiting the usable pastures to a small fraction. Moreover, Azerbaijani soldiers insult shepherds and threaten them loudly with the exhibition of weapons, keeping the village under fire.

The barn of Norabak village in Geghamasar community has evidently fallen under the unlawful control of Azerbaijani military forces, depriving residents of the opportunity to use it. Nearby ditches, previously utilized for agricultural purposes, are also no longer accessible to villagers.

The evident unlawful presence of Azerbaijani armed forces adjacent to the villages in the Gegharkunik region, along with their openly criminal acts, have seriously jeopardized the lives and health of residents of Armenia's border villages, completely disrupting their normal lives and psychological integrity.

Pastures, meadows, and other designated lands cannot be utilized because 1) Azerbaijani armed forces unlawfully occupy those areas, and 2) those areas are under the direct fire of Azerbaijani armed forces. This has been confirmed by investigations carried out by the Human Rights Defender’s office, including its regional unit in Gegharkunik.

The pressing need for villagers to access these lands is accentuated by seasonal demands, as the haymaking season is about to begin and villagers are facing acute problems. This could also lead to a sharp decrease in livestock numbers due to insufficient conditions for engaging in animal husbandry. All of this will further exacerbate social issues.

Azerbaijani armed forces have also gained control over water resources, crucial for irrigation and drinking water.

The rights of Armenia's border residents are guaranteed by the Constitution of Armenia and international norms. No process related to state borders can be deemed acceptable if it disrupts the normal lives of border residents, grossly violating and continuing to threaten their rights. Thus, the establishment of a security zone is absolutely necessary to restore the violated rights of individuals and guarantee them against the risks of further violations,” the Ombudsman’s statement reads.