At Least 5,103 People Have Lost Their Jobs in Artsakh, 5,528 Children Unable to Attend Kindergarten

Agents of the Azerbaijani government have been holding the 120,000 residents of Artsakh hostage under conditions of blockade for 52 days through terrorist actions.

As a result of the blockade, the 120,000 residents of Artsakh, including approximately 30,000 children, 20,000 elderly, and 9,000 individuals with disabilities, are facing numerous deprivations and are at significant risk of malnutrition and hypothermia among other violations of rights.

Due to the escalating food shortages under the blockade, 41 kindergartens and 20 long-term educational institutions were closed as of January 9. A total of 5,528 children are no longer able to attend kindergarten, deprived of the opportunity to receive proper care and nutrition.

Due to the created economic difficulties, at least 5,103 people have initially lost their jobs and source of income. More than 20,400 tons of essential goods would have been delivered to Artsakh if it were not for the blockade, during which only a minimal amount has been supplied by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Russian peacekeeping forces.

Since the beginning of the blockade, numerous countries and international organizations around the world have condemned Azerbaijan’s actions and called for an end to the blockade. The issue has also been discussed in the UN Security Council, and the European Court of Human Rights has mandated Azerbaijan to take all necessary and sufficient measures to lift the blockade. The issue will soon be considered at the International Court of Justice in The Hague as part of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination proceedings.