Parties Must Not Obstruct or Politicize Any Humanitarian Activities: UN Humanitarian Affairs Office

At the start of an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Eden Vosornu, head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, emphasized that the office currently lacks the ability to verify information regarding the free movement of people and goods through the Lachin corridor.

At the same time, he noted that the office is aware of ongoing reports, including information about shortages of food and medicine.

“Electricity and water supplies have been interrupted. We are also aware that healthcare services, including surgeries, have been disrupted. Our office is in constant contact with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which remains the only international organization operating in the area. According to the organization’s statement on July 25, it has been impossible to deliver humanitarian aid to the region for several weeks now. Although medical evacuations are continuing, the ICRC has been unable to supply medical materials to the area since July 7, and food deliveries ceased on June 14. The ICRC has highlighted a shortage of food and medical supplies.

International humanitarian law is clear—parties are obligated to allow and ensure the rapid and unrestricted passage of humanitarian assistance for all civilians in need. Parties must also ensure the free movement of personnel delivering humanitarian aid.

Therefore, it is vital that humanitarian delivery by the ICRC can be resumed by any means. The ICRC is doing everything possible, but as an organization, it can only address humanitarian needs. Other humanitarian assistance must be allowed to be delivered to those in need. A sustainable solution must be found to ensure the regular passage of people and goods. I would also refer to the statement of the UN Secretary-General, who noted that the humanitarian situation on the ground is worsening and called for actions to ensure the passage of assistance.

Parties must not obstruct or politicize any humanitarian activities. Responding to humanitarian needs does not mean legitimization or recognition. It is not a manifestation of bias and is not subject to political influence. Our office will continue to work with the parties to ensure humanitarian access in order to meet the vital needs of the people living in these areas.

UN teams in Armenia and Azerbaijan are also in open communication with the governments of these countries and are fully prepared to do everything possible on their part to respond to humanitarian needs,” stated the representative of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.