Office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights condemns explosion of Armenian Church in Syria

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS: The Officeof theUnited NationsHighCommissionerforHuman Rights has expressed concern related to the explosion of Deirez-Zor’s Armenian Church by “Islamic State” Islamic organization.

UN Human Rights Office SpokespersonRupert Colvillenoted that in consequence of continuous clashes between the government and anti-government sides, many archaeological and regional places are destroyed, Armenpress reports.

In his speech Rupert Colville stressed that the attacks of the anti-governmental armed forces at religious people and buildings have increased in Syria over this year. He stated that the Syrian government forces continue to deploy the military installations in the area of cultural buildings turning them into military bases.

“We stress that religious people and buildings are under special protection defined by the international humanitarian law and should be respected and protected by everyone,” said UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson.