A commemorative event dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide was held at Karabakh University, organized by the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, with the participation of academic staff, students, and media.

The event commenced with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the Khojaly genocide.

The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman), Sabina Aliyeva, delivered an opening speech, emphasizing that the Khojaly tragedy left an indelible mark on the historical memory of the Azerbaijani people and constitutes an act of genocide resulting from gross violations of international law and international humanitarian law.

She noted that on the night of February 25–26, 1992, 613 civilians, including women and children, were brutally killed, and thousands were forcibly displaced from their homes. The Ombudsman stressed that this tragedy was part of a systematic policy of ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis.

It was highlighted that the first political and legal assessment of the Khojaly genocide was made at the initiative of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and that the state has since undertaken consistent efforts to promote international recognition of the tragedy. The “Justice for Khojaly” campaign, implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, was noted as playing a significant role in this regard.

The Ombudsman also underlined that, under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the country has restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and individuals responsible for war crimes have been brought to justice.

Rector of Karabakh University, Shahin Bayramov, stated that the Khojaly genocide holds a significant place in the national memory and statehood consciousness, adding that commemorating this tragedy in Khankendi carries particular symbolic importance. He emphasized that one of the university’s key priorities is to educate students in the spirit of patriotism and historical awareness.

During the event, Fugura Rustamova, sister of Azerbaijan’s National Hero Fuzuli Rustamov and a witness to the Khojaly events, shared her memories of the tragic night and called on young people to preserve historical truth and pass it on to future generations.

A video dedicated to the Khojaly genocide was screened, followed by the reading of the Ombudsman’s official statement marking the 34th anniversary of the tragedy.

Following the event, the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) donated modern digital printing equipment and digital-content resources to Karabakh University in support of its institutional development.