HRC 52nd Session: Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing

08 March, 2023

Delivered by Tiruhi Galstyan, Human Rights Officer

President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for his briefing and comprehensive report.

It is our strong conviction that the right to adequate housing is essential for the dignity and well-being of individuals and families and should be fully respected, including in the conflict and crisis situations.

During the war unleashed by Azerbaijan in 2020 against people of Nagorno Karabakh more than 90.000 Armenians were displaced. Azerbaijan still deprives 40.000 Armenians from exercising their right of return to ancestral homes in safety and dignity. They joined more than 400.000 Armenians who were displaced during the persecutions and war that Azerbaijan waged against Armenians in 1990s.

The three months long disruption of the Lachin Corridor inflicted a serious damage to adequate standards of living for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. Among others, it hindered the construction of new buildings for the displaced Armenian population grossly infringing on their right to housing.

Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice has twice unanimously rejected the allegations of Azerbaijan that Armenia plants landmines in houses and civilian areas. The said two Orders of ICJ put to rest Azerbaijan’s propaganda in this regard.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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