On 7 October, 2022, the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia held a meeting with a delegation of French officials, journalists, and lawyers.
The delegation included the Deputy Mayor of Paris Anush Toranyan, a member of the French Parliament Mr. Sébastien Delogu, French writer and public speaker Mr. Sylvain Tesson, deputy editor-in-chief of Le Figaro Mr. Jean-Christophe Buisson, the editor-in-chief of “Revue des Deux Mondes” Ms. Valerie Toranian, and lawyer Mr. Francois Devejyan.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco H.E. Mrs. Hasmik Tolmajian was also present.
During the meeting, the Human Rights Defender Ms. Kristinne Grigoryan answered the inquires of the delegation.
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The Defender presented the ongoing situation in the borderline communities and the ongoing humanitarian crisis that resulted from the Azerbaijani military attack of September 13-15. The Defender informed that the Human Rights Defender Office has published several reports analyzing the consequences of the Azerbaijani military attack; dismemberment of the body part of the killed Armenian servicemen, torture of Prisoners of War, targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, manifestations of extreme hate speech, etc. The Defender also informed that several displaced persons have not been able to return to their homes, since they were destroyed.
The Defender highlighted the issue of the Prisoners of War, and referred to those who have already returned. She mentioned that they are at the center of attention of the Human Rights Defender; the representatives of the Office held private interviews with the servicemen who already returned from Azerbaijani captivity. Ms. Grigoryan noted about the policy of Armenophobia of Azerbaijan, presented the systemic nature of that policy and the examples proving its sponsorship and encouragement by the Azerbaijani state.
The Defender also referred to the visits and the fact-finding activities in Tavush and Gegharkunik provinces which took place before the September 13-15 military attacks. She presented the registered information, including the evidences of the terrorizing and the violations of the rights of the peaceful residents of the borderline communities.
The members of the delegation thanked the Defender for the work conducted by her Office. The parties agreed to continue the reliable and effective cooperation.
Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia