The Impact of Azerbaijan’s Aggression on Human Rights and Environmental Protection

Azerbaijan’s aggression in Nagorno-Karabakh has led to widespread violations of human rights and severe environmental damage, causing long-lasting harm to the region and its people. Civilians, particularly ethnic Armenians, have suffered forced displacement, destruction of homes, and targeting of essential infrastructure. These actions have uprooted entire communities, stripping them of their rights and dignity. Reports from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented these abuses, highlighting violations of international humanitarian law and human rights conventions.The environmental consequences of this conflict are equally alarming. Military operations have destroyed ecosystems, contaminated water supplies, and rendered farmland unusable. Landmines and unexploded ordnance pose ongoing risks to human safety and environmental health, preventing displaced populations from returning to their homes. Access to natural resources, such as forests and farmland, has been severely disrupted, further deepening the crisis.Despite international legal frameworks for protecting human rights and the environment during conflict, Azerbaijan’s actions have largely gone unchecked. Global actors like the United Nations and the European Union must take a stronger stance to ensure accountability and provide resources for recovery. Peacebuilding efforts must integrate environmental concerns to support sustainable rebuilding and prevent further harm.The long-term humanitarian impact of this aggression will affect generations, leaving behind trauma, cultural loss, and environmental devastation. Addressing these intertwined issues requires urgent international action, not only to support affected communities but also to foster lasting peace in the region.