The
Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan welcomes the statement of the
Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Dunja Mijatović on
August 28, in which the latter expresses concern about the situation created as
a result of the blocking of the Lachin Corridor.
In
particular, Dunja Mijatović stated that she continues being seriously concerned
about the humanitarian situation and the rights of the population in
Nagorno-Karabakh after the blocking of the road by Azerbaijan passing through
the Lachin Corridor since December 2022.
"I
reaffirm the call I made at that time to restore free movement on that
road," stated Mijatović.
"Despite
my calls and those of many other international stakeholders, the humanitarian
situation has deteriorated in the region, affecting particularly the most
vulnerable people, with prolonged disruptions to the movement of people, food
supplies and access to emergency medical care." The International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is currently the only international
humanitarian organization operating in the Lachine Corridor, noted that the
population is facing the issue of lack of vital medicines and basic
necessities," stated the Commissioner.
Mijatović
highlighted that "stakeholders must find an immediate solution to avoid
further deterioration of a very dangerous situation for the local population
and guarantee the safe and free movement of humanitarian aid providers and
human rights defenders."
"As
stated in my memorandum of 2021, efforts must be made by Armenia and Azerbaijan
to move forward on the path of reconciliation and ensure lasting peace for all
people. I reaffirm my commitment and willingness to engage in work with all
relevant interlocutors and visit Nagorno-Karabakh to assist in overcoming
existing challenges of human rights," the statement said.
The
Human Rights Defender’s office continues actively cooperating with
international actors in the direction of urgent solution options.
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