Armenia`s human rights defender highlights importance of ensuring  return of Armenian prisoners held in Baku

ArmInfo. Armenian Ombudsman Anahit Manasyan is taking part in the 16th International Conference  of Ombudsman Institutions for the Armed Forces on "Ombudsman Institutions and Responsibilities for Supporting Families of Military Personnel", which is being held in Berlin from September 30 to  October 2.

As reported by the press service of the Armenian Ombudsman, the  purpose of the event is to identify problems in the field of human  rights protection in the armed forces, promote the exchange of best  practices, and study the role of human rights institutions in  supporting the families of military personnel.

As part of the conference, Anahit Manasyan moderated a session  dedicated to supporting and caring for family members of military  personnel. In this context, the human rights activist touched upon  efforts aimed at ensuring the rights of families affected by armed  conflicts. She spoke about the activities of the Armenian Ombudsman's  Office and emphasized the importance of continuing work to clarify  the fates of persons whose whereabouts are unknown, as well as  protecting the rights of prisoners and ensuring their return. In this  regard, the human rights activist focused on the role of structures  with a mandate to protect human rights in these matters.

The opening remarks at the conference were made by Vice President of  the German Bundestag Yvonne Magwas, German Parliamentary Commissioner  for the Armed Forces Eva Hogl, President of the Geneva Centre for the  Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) Ambassador Nathalie Chuard  and former German Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces  Reinhold Robb.

The event brought together representatives and heads of human rights  institutions from about 40 countries and was organized by the Geneva  DCAF in cooperation with the German Parliamentary Commissioner for  the Armed Forces.

It should be noted that the exact number of Armenian prisoners of war  and hostages held in Azerbaijani prisons is still unknown. The  authorities of Armenia confirm only that they have 23 Armenians.  According to experts, there are several hundred. Among those held in  Azerbaijani captivity, there are 8 former and current representatives  of the military-political leadership of Artsakh. These are former  presidents of Artsakh Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Arayik  Harutyunyan, former Minister of Foreign Affairs David Babayan, as  well as Speaker of the Parliament David Ishkhanyan, former commander  of the Artsakh Defense Army, General Levon Mnatsakanyan, General  David Manukyan and former Minister of State Ruben Vardanyan.

We will add that on October 1, the Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan  reported on the completion of investigative measures on the staged  criminal case against the military-political leadership of Artsakh  and brought new groundless charges against them.