Ombudsman claims repatriation of displaced Artsakh Armenians realistic

Thousands of people gathered in Yerevan’s Liberty Square on Saturday to defend the displaced Artsakh Armenians’ right to return to their homeland.

“We are gathered here today with a simple motivation – to stand up for our rights,” Artsakh Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan said, addressing the rally.

Stepanyan rejected claims that the protest was solely about preserving social assistance, calling them "immoral and insensitive". He emphasized that the social support provided to Artsakh refugees is essential for their survival in Armenia and for meeting their basic needs. He stressed that the assistance should continue until every displaced family’s housing and living conditions are resolved. He warned that ending this support would push thousands of families into homelessness and poverty, triggering further emigration.

“We want to live in our homeland in dignity, holding on to the hope and goal of returning to Artsakh,” Stepanyan said.

Stepanyan highlighted that the right of return is the foundation of the Artsakh people's rights. “Our rights cannot be fully protected anywhere but on our own land and in our homes. The hope of return must not fade. Abandoning this right would mean giving up on our existence and identity,” he stated.

“Leaving our homeland under threat of annihilation does not mean we have given up our right to repatriation. Ensuring the right to return isn’t an unrealistic dream; it’s a right that must be defended and advanced.”

Stepanyan also highlighted that both chambers of the Swiss parliament had recently adopted a resolution reaffirming the right of return for the people of Artsakh due to coordinated efforts with the Armenian diaspora. He called on the Armenian government and the international community to make the right of return a key issue in future negotiations.

“A just settlement to the conflict cannot be achieved at the cost of the violated rights and shattered lives of thousands of people,” he added.