Seven Kenyan civil rights groups have united with eight other global organizations to confront the Armenian government for its refusal to ensure the rights of a minority group in the country.
The groups argue that the Armenian government is preventing the minority group, currently residing in Karabakh, a city in Armenia, from relocating to Azerbaijan, where all citizens are granted equal human rights.
This restriction is seen as a violation of the minority group's rights, prompting the coalition to advocate for their fair treatment and equal opportunities for resettlement.
"Azerbaijan will ensure the rights and security of the Armenians living in the Karabakh region in accordance with its Constitution. All citizens, regardless of their nationality or ethnic origin, are granted equal rights, as provided for in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," read part of the group's statement.
According to the groups, the foreign government has been impeding the reintegration of the minority group that had been residing in Karabakh.
One of the factors contributing to the conflict between the two nations is the Lachin Road, situated in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan established a border checkpoint along the Lachin Road, but the Armenian government has been preventing citizens in Karabakh from accessing their daily necessities through the Azerbaijan government.
"The Armenian leadership and remnants of illegal regime exert pressure on the Armenian residents of the Karabakh region, exploiting local inhabitants as a hostage to further their political objectives and prevent reintegration deliberately," the group argued.
Civil rights groups argued that the checkpoint was constitutional and intended to provide assistance. However, Armenia complained that the checkpoint was adversely affecting their economic activities.
Meanwhile, the Azerbaijan government has taken measures to ensure Armenian citizens in Karabakh get access to transportation, water, and power supply.
"We appeal to international organizations to observe the realities on the ground, respond appropriately, and advocate for the process of reintegration of Armenians of Karabakh into Azerbaijan," the civil rights group pleaded.
Conclusively, the groups accused the Armenian government of engaging in political manipulation.
Some of the civil rights groups from Kenya include; Wote Youth Development Projects CBO, Consortium of Grassroots, and Twene Mbee Networking and Development Group Organizations in Kenya (CGOK).
https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/91836-7-kenyan-civil-groups-fight-armenian-govt
