Azerbaijani Authorities Support 'Activists' Blocking the Lachin Corridor: Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch, the international human rights organization, has published a report outlining the humanitarian crisis created in Nagorno-Karabakh due to Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin Corridor.

According to Armenpress, the publication reminds that since December 12, 2022, Azerbaijan has blocked the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia and the outside world, placing the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh in a difficult situation.

A 40-year-old woman named Armini, who lives in Nagorno-Karabakh with her family, told Human Rights Watch that her husband lost his job as a taxi driver due to a lack of fuel, making her the sole breadwinner for the family. The couple's 12 and 14-year-old children have just recently returned to school now that the heating has started using wood stoves. However, some schools remain closed due to the lack of heating.

Food is increasingly scarce and unaffordable due to skyrocketing prices. Armini shared that she had to wait two hours in the cold just to buy eggs.

She plans her day according to electricity outages. During the few hours when there is electricity, she must cook meals, take care of household chores, heat the children’s room, and help them with their homework.

Human Rights Watch emphasized that Armini’s story is not an exception. The blockade of the Lachin Corridor has disrupted access to essential goods and services for thousands of Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh. Many have remained in Armenia and cannot return to their homes.

The report states that Azerbaijani authorities deny responsibility for the road blockade but support protests. The obstruction of the Lachin Corridor is causing a humanitarian crisis as many needs remain unmet.

Human Rights Watch provides a specific example to illustrate the severe situation: Armini's father, who suffers from cancer, must periodically travel from the village to Stepanakert for medical appointments, but has missed recent visits due to a lack of fuel and transport.

The publication stresses, “Azerbaijani authorities and Russian peacekeeping forces must ensure that the protests do not deprive Armini and other residents of Nagorno-Karabakh of their rights, including access to health, essential services and goods, as well as the right to freedom of movement.”