BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 27. Azerbaijani
Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva has issued a statement on September 27 -
Remembrance Day.


The letter reads:


"Six years have passed since the Patriotic War that began on
September 27, 2020. That day is not only a significant milestone in
the history of the Azerbaijani people, but also holds great
importance in addressing the severe humanitarian consequences of
the conflict, bringing to justice those who committed war crimes
resulting in loss of life, and restoring rights violated for many
years.


The Patriotic War became a new phase in the restoration of
Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and violated fundamental rights
of people who had been forcibly displaced from their native lands
for many years.


Harm to the lives and health of the civilian population, and the
destruction of settlements and social infrastructure during the war
resulted in serious humanitarian consequences. These events
demonstrate once again that the civilian population bears the
heaviest burden of armed conflicts, and that the protection of
civilians under the international humanitarian law, as well as the
safeguarding of their right to life, must remain a constant
priority.


During the Patriotic War, the armed forces of Armenia shelled
densely populated Azerbaijani settlements, particularly Ganja,
Barda, Naftalan, and Tartar, and other cities and districts, using
heavy artillery and internationally prohibited long-range missile
systems. These attacks resulted in civilian casualties and injuries
and caused serious damage to residential buildings and other
civilian infrastructure, including social, educational, healthcare,
religious, and other facilities. These facts were documented in
reports prepared by the Azerbaijani Ombudsman during the
fact-finding missions carried out at that time.


It is essential to conduct an objective and comprehensive
investigation into violations of international law regarding the
attacks against the civilian population and civilian objects, and
to identify those responsible and hold them accountable in
accordance with national legislation and applicable international
law. Preventing impunity for those responsible for such acts is
crucial for the protection of human rights and the prevention of
the recurrence of similar incidents in the future.


As the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic
of Azerbaijan, I believe that restoring human rights violated as a
result of war and conflict, determining the fate of missing
persons, clearing areas contaminated with mines and unexploded
remnants of war, and ensuring the safe and dignified return of
formerly displaced persons to their native lands are among the key
humanitarian priorities of the post-conflict period.


From this standpoint, large-scale restoration and reconstruction
works in the liberated territories, the return of people to their
native lands, and the reliable guarantee of all their fundamental
rights make a significant contribution to strengthening peace and
sustainable development.


The significant results achieved in advancing the peace agenda,
also in finalizing the peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia
are of particular importance for the future of the region as a
whole. This process creates new opportunities for strengthening
sustainable and long-term peace, stability, security, and
cooperation.


In this regard, sustaining the gains made towards peace and
transforming them into lasting peace places a significant
responsibility on international organizations, the global
community, States, national human rights institutions, and civil
society.


September 27 is not merely the day that marked the beginning of
large-scale counter-offensive operations that put an end to the
policy of aggression, occupation, and provocation pursued against
our republic and people for many years. Today has also been etched
in memory as a day demonstrating the power of our state, our army,
which achieved victory under the leadership of the country’s
President and Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and our people,
who displayed a true example of patriotism even in the most
difficult times.


Respectfully honoring the cherished memory of our compatriots
who have fallen for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of
our Motherland, I wish patience for their families and a healthy,
prosperous future for war participants and all those affected by
the war.


I truly believe that the greatest tribute to the memory of our
martyrs is to ensure that future generations live in peace,
security, and prosperity, free from war and violence. I wish the
legacy and cherished memory left to us by Remembrance Day - a day
etched in our history with solemn and honorable memories will bring
tranquility to our country and people, solid and lasting peace to
our region, a secure life free from war, and progressive
development."