in Russian – https://aga-tribunal.info/pace-27-9-2021/

Source: Resolution 2391 (2021) by Parliament Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted on 27 September 2021 (24th sitting) upon rapport by Mr. Paul Gavan https://aga-tribunal.info/en/pace-27-9-2021-en/

18. The long running conflict has had a catastrophic impact on the cultural heritage and property of the region, for which both Armenia and Azerbaijan have a responsibility. In light of this, the Assembly:

• 18.1 condemns the damage and destruction for which Armenia is responsible in the former conflict areas returned to Azerbaijan, and in particular the almost total destruction and looting of Aghdam, Fuzuli and other areas over the last 30 years, as well as the transfer of cultural heritage;
• 18.2 condemns the destruction over the last 30 years of Armenian cultural heritage in Azerbaijan for which Azerbaijan is responsible, notably in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and condemns the damage deliberately caused to cultural heritage during the 6-week war, and what appears to be the deliberate shelling of the Gazanchi Church/Holy Saviour, Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shusha/Shushi as well as the destruction or damage of other churches and cemeteries during and after the conflict;
• 18.3 remains concerned, in the light of past destruction, about the future of the many Armenian churches, monasteries, including the monastery in Khutavank/Dadivank, cross-stones and other forms of cultural heritage which have returned under Azerbaijan control;
• 18.4 expresses concern about a developing narrative in Azerbaijan promoting a “Caucasian Albanian” heritage to replace what is seen as an “Armenian” cultural heritage;
• 18.5 recommends that Armenia and Azerbaijan allow UNESCO unlimited access to all cultural heritage sites in both countries to assess the damage and assess the steps necessary to safeguard what remains;
• 18.6 invites UNESCO to look into the developing narrative promoting a “Caucasian Albanian” heritage, to ensure it is not manipulated by either side.

19. Hate speech has been a long-standing problem in both countries, as noted by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) in its reports, in particular in relation to Azerbaijan, which has also been criticised by the Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The Assembly:

• 19.1 is shocked by the level of hate speech and hate crimes by both sides that took place during the 6-week war, including the filming of horrific acts and their sharing on social media;
• 19.2 is aware of various statements that Azerbaijan is proud of its multiculturalism but regrets that there remain statements at the highest level which continue to portray Armenians in an intolerant fashion. The so-called military “Trophy Park” in Baku creates serious concerns, and the Assembly considers that the use of caricatured and stereotyped mannequins exacerbates levels of intolerance and should have no place in a museum or society;
• 19.3 recommends that both countries take steps to tackle hate speech, including from public and high-level officials, as well as hate crimes. Both countries should introduce appropriate legislation with the assistance of the Council of Europe.