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.
