The Longer This Situation Lasts, the More Children Will Suffer: UNICEF on the Lachin Corridor

UNICEF has announced that it continues to seek avenues for dialogue with all stakeholders in order to gain access to support children living in the region. The effective closure of the Lachin Corridor, which connects Nagorno-Karabakh, has a negative impact on the situation of children. UNICEF has made this statement.

“The longer this situation lasts, the more children will suffer from a lack of basic food and essential services necessary for their survival, healthy development, and well-being. Meanwhile, many children have also been deprived of parental care, as they have been separated from their parents or legal guardians,” the statement reads.

It is also emphasized that it is extremely important to ensure that children in Nagorno-Karabakh are protected and that humanitarian organizations can safely and quickly reach those in need. UNICEF assures that it continues to look for avenues for dialogue and to collaborate with all stakeholders in order to gain access to support children living in the area.

At the same time, UNICEF reaffirms its call for free movement and safety through the Lachin Corridor as stipulated in previous agreements. It is noteworthy that UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed concern regarding the situation surrounding the Lachin Corridor. The Secretary-General urged the parties to ease tensions and ensure safe and unimpeded movement through the corridor in accordance with previously agreed terms.

As a reminder, on the morning of December 12, a group of Azerbaijanis in civilian clothes blocked the Stepanakert-Goris highway, which connects Artsakh with Armenia, citing environmental reasons at the crossroad of Shushi-Karin Tak.

Starting from December 13, the Azerbaijani side also disconnected the gas supply to Artsakh. On the morning of December 16, Artsakh’s State Minister Ruben Vardanyan announced that gas supply in Artsakh had been restored without any preconditions. However, the Lachin Corridor remains closed.