13.09.2022
On September 13, 2022, at 12:05 am, the Republic of Azerbaijan, grossly violating the United Nations Charter (art. 2 (4)) signed on June 26, 1945, United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3314, attacked Armenian military and civilian infrastructure using heavy artillery, mortars, and UAVs.
Explosions attributed to artillery and drones were reported by residents of Vardenis, Jermuk, Goris and Tatev, cities within Armenia proper. Civilians from some Armenian villages along the border are being evacuated.
The largest institution in Armenia is located in Vardenis - Vardenis Psychoneurological Boarding House. Around 450 people with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities live in this institution.
DRA, an organization of persons with disabilities based in Armenia, asked international human rights organizations for their support to:
- Call on Azerbaijan to stop the war now;
- Write to the governments to do all they can to stop the war and prevent a possible humanitarian disaster in Eastern Europe;
- Draw the attention of international actors to condemn Azerbaijan's criminal actions, and urgently support the Government of Armenia and organizations of persons with disabilities in ensuring safety of persons with disabilities, including those in institutions.
14.09.2022
As a result of aggression, children's right to inclusive education was disrupted in Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions. RA Ministry of Education has decided to grant unscheduled holiday to general educational institutions of these settlements.
Following the data collected by the Human Rights Defender's office, at least 2,570 people have been displaced from the following communities: Sotk, Norabak, Kut, Azat, Airk, Tretuk, Kutakavan of Gegharkunik province, and Chakaten, Shikahogh, Srashen, Nerkin Hand, Aghitu, Akner, Verishen in Syunik province. The vast majority of displaced persons are women, children, and elderly people, including persons with disabilities.
There is also great evidence of shelling and disruption of civilian infrastructure: people's homes, communication, electricity, and other infrastructure. Large-scale destructions are evidenced, especially in Sotk, Kut, Karashen, and Verishen communities, similar facts to which were also collected from Geghamasar, Aghitu, Srashen, and Noravan communities.
15.09.2022
192 residential homes sustained various degrees of damage in Gegharkunik, Syunik and Vayots Dzor regions, 60 of which were destroyed.
Resources:
[1] OC-Media, Azerbaijan launches attacks along Armenian border, https://oc-media.org/azerbaijan-launches-attacks-along-armenian-border/
[2] EVN Report, Azerbaijan Launches Large-Scale Attack Against Armenia, https://evnreport.com/politics/azerbaijan-launches-large-scale-attack-against-armenia/
[3] Human Rights Defender, https://ombuds.am/en_us/site/ViewNews/2345