A year after the end of military operations in Karabakh, the Commissioner of the Council of Europe for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatovic published a memorandum on the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, putting forward recommendations for the protection of human rights.

The Commissioner noted that access to conflict-affected areas remains to be very limited for humanitarian organizations, as well as for human rights protection missions.

Mijatovic called on all relevant authorities to act effectively and flexibly so that humanitarian organizations and human rights defenders could communicate with everyone who needs emergency humanitarian assistance and human rights protection.

“Anyone who has been displaced as a result of the conflict and currently resides in Armenia or Azerbaijan, as well as in the conflict-affected areas, should not be forced to return to their homes,” the commissioner said.

Mijatovic stressed that the return should be voluntary and carried out in a safe environment. Candidates must be provided with accurate information to return so that they are informed of their choice.

She expressed regret that many people, including civilians, were killed or seriously injured as a result of mines explosion after the cessation of hostilities.

Mijatovic called on the parties to cooperate and exchange the necessary information to facilitate the demining process. She also called on the authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ratify the UN Convention on the Prohibition or Restriction of the Use of Certain Types of Conventional Weapons and the Protocols thereto .

Also, the Commissioner pointed out that “the issue of prisoners, especially Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan, remains to a controversial issue that aggravates the already tense relations between the two countries.”

In addition, Mijatovic points to the manifestation of hostility and intolerance in public debates in both countries.

“Constant aggressive rhetoric or the use of words such as

“enemies” only contributes to the preservation of hostility between people on different sides,” the commissioner noted.

She called on both states to take decisive steps to prevent and suppress incitement to hatred, as well as support initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence and reconciliation.

Source: Turan News Agency