2024-09-25 02:54:24
Recently, it became known that the UN special rapporteur in the field of cultural rights sent a message-question to Azerbaijan, in which he expressed concern about the destruction and appropriation of the Armenian historical, cultural and religious heritage in Artsakh, the organized distortion of the history of Nagorno-Karabakh and attempts to erase the traces of Armenians, which are tantamount to cultural cleansing. :
Aysor.am requested a comment from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the RA regarding the above and also inquired: what are the expectations, is there a response?
“Are you right? I can add that the message also mentions the targeting of people, monuments and symbols, violations of international humanitarian law. The message refers to the 2021 session of the UN International Court of Justice. The verdict of December 7 presents the destruction of sanctuaries, cemeteries, the fabrication of “whitewash”, anti-scientific approaches, the false agenda spread by the so-called “Western Azerbaijan”, hate speech against Armenians, the September 19 attack and ethnic cleansing, as well as a number of information about other problems”, Aysor. Ani Badalyan, RA MFA’s spokesperson, said in response to am’s inquiry.
“It is noteworthy that UN special rapporteurs have repeatedly referred to Azerbaijan’s violations of the rights of the Nagorno-Karabakh people, including cultural rights, and the cases of destruction and mutilation of Armenian heritage.
Unfortunately, even the above-mentioned, legally binding decision of the International Court of Justice did not stop the policy towards Armenian religious and cultural heritage. Yes, it is also combined with manifestations of hate speech, anti-scientific falsification about the territory of Armenia and the history of Nagorno-Karabakh.
At the same time, we consider it important for the international community to document these realities, which is of primary importance for the prevention of similar crimes and the establishment of an atmosphere of dialogue and stable peace in the region,” said the RA Foreign Ministry.