The Reaction of the Ombudsman to the mass graves discovered in Shusha and Khojali

Two mass graves were discovered during excavations carried out in April in the liberated areas of the Republic of Azerbaijan, namely in the vicinity of Shusha city and on the Asgaran-Khojali road. The human bones found there are believed to be those of civilians. 

The signs of violence on the remains provide further evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity against Azerbaijanis by Armenia committed during the First Karabakh War. 

We must reiterate that according to the updated data, as a result of Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, 3990 people have been registered as missing. Following the processes of identification of human remains found in the places of mass burials located in the liberated areas, identities of approximately 170 compatriots have been determined so far, and this process is still pending.   

We regret to say that despite our repeated appeals, Armenia does not fulfill its international commitments under international law, refusing to submit information regarding those who have been taken captive and hostage over thirty years. 

According to international treaties to which Armenia has consented to be bound, it must adhere to the obligations arising from those legal documents and must provide information about the accurate place of mass burials of people murdered, and the international community must have a serious impact on Armenia to hand over that information to our country.