Armenia’s Ombudsman Issues Statement on Global Humanitarian Day

The Ombudsman of Artsakh, Gegham Stepanyan, issued a statement on the occasion of Global Humanitarian Day:

“Global Humanitarian Day is an annual reminder of the need to act for the alleviation of suffering, regardless of a person’s origin, beliefs, or other circumstances. Every year, Global Humanitarian Day brings together partners in the humanitarian system to support individuals affected by crises, for their survival, welfare, and dignity.

As a result of the war unleashed against the Republic of Artsakh on September 27, 2020, an unprecedented humanitarian crisis has emerged in the country: thousands of casualties and disabled individuals, including civilians and children, nearly 40,000 forcibly displaced persons, and prisoners of war, some of whom are still unlawfully held in Azerbaijan under unknown conditions. Behind these statistics are individuals and families whose lives have been completely shattered, and whose destinies remain entirely uncertain.

The trilateral statement on the ceasefire on November 10, 2020, halted the active phase of military operations but gave rise to new gross violations of security and human rights by Azerbaijan, including the hostage-taking of civilians, threats of murder, cases of civilian killings (which remain unpunished), and the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure aimed at creating serious humanitarian consequences, as well as various methods of terrorizing the peaceful population of Artsakh and regularly violating the ceasefire.

All this is accompanied by public statements from the President of Azerbaijan containing state-sanctioned hate speech against Armenians. Due to the non-recognition of the Republic of Artsakh, the United Nations and other international organizations do not visit Artsakh to investigate ceasefire violations or violations of international law or to provide humanitarian assistance. While various individuals and organizations have provided support to Artsakh, unfortunately, numerous appeals directed to significant international humanitarian organizations are still pending.

It is crucial for the international community to recognize the severity of post-war humanitarian issues in Artsakh and to compel Azerbaijan to retract its aggressive behavior and the policy of ethnic cleansing against Artsakh, which exacerbates the already difficult humanitarian situation.

On this day, I want to express my gratitude to all those who have supported Artsakh in overcoming the existing humanitarian problems and once again call on all international organizations in the humanitarian system to mobilize their will and resources to alleviate the suffering of the people of Artsakh. The UN and other international organizations with humanitarian mandates have a significant role and responsibility in promoting international awareness and taking action on these issues.”