The Memory of the Khojaly Tragedy and the Universal Duty to Protect Human Rights

The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ” / Turkmenistan expresses its deep solidarity with the people of Azerbaijan in connection with the tragic events that took place in the city of Khojaly in February 1992. We bow our heads in memory of the innocent victims and extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as to all those whose lives were forever changed by this tragedy. The right to life is a fundamental and inalienable right of every human being, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and other fundamental international legal instruments. The mass killing of civilians, regardless of circumstances, nationality, or political context, constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and represents a crime that has no statute of limitations. Following the tragedies of the twentieth century, including the Holocaust and the genocides in Rwanda and Srebrenica, the international community adopted the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948), which establishes the principle that crimes against humanity must be prevented, investigated, and punished, and that their victims must never be forgotten. The Human Rights Platform “DAYANÇ” / Turkmenistan consistently opposes all forms of violence, ethnic hatred, mass killings, and crimes against civilians. We firmly believe that respect for human dignity, the right to life, and personal security are the foundation of any just and peaceful society. The memory of the Khojaly tragedy is not only a matter of national remembrance but also part of the global responsibility of humanity. Recognition of tragedies, condemnation of crimes against civilians, and the pursuit of justice are essential conditions for preventing such crimes in the future. Impunity leads to the repetition of crimes. Justice, on the contrary, strengthens peace, trust, and security. We emphasize that the protection of human rights has no nationality, borders, or political affiliation. Every human life has equal value. Crimes against civilians must be given a principled legal assessment in accordance with international law. The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ” / Turkmenistan reaffirms its commitment to the following principles: — protection of the right to life and security of every person — zero tolerance for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity — respect for human dignity — combating impunity — support for victims of human rights violations — strengthening peace, justice, and international legal accountability We believe that preserving the memory of victims is essential to protecting the future. Only through truth, justice, and commitment to human rights can a world be built in which such tragedies never happen again. Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ” / Turkmenistan 2026