Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Expresses Willingness to Visit Artsakh

The Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner, Dunja Mijatović, has called for the restoration of free movement through the Lachin corridor and urged for the rapid and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Nagorno-Karabakh. She emphasized her commitment to cooperating with all relevant interlocutors and her readiness to travel to Nagorno-Karabakh to assist in addressing human rights issues.

Mijatović's statement was published on the Council of Europe’s website. "Since the blocking of the road through the Lachin corridor in December 2022, I have remained seriously concerned about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the rights of its population. I reiterate my previous calls for the restoration of free movement through that route," Mijatović stated.

According to her, despite calls from her and many other international stakeholders, reports indicate that the humanitarian situation and human rights issues in the area have worsened. She noted that the blockade of the Lachin corridor particularly affects the most vulnerable individuals due to disruptions in their movement, access to food, and prolonged interruptions in urgent medical assistance.

"The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is currently the only international humanitarian organization operating in the Lachin corridor, has reported that the population is facing shortages of vital medications and essential supplies," she mentioned.

Mijatović emphasized that relevant stakeholders must find an immediate solution to prevent further deterioration of the dangerous situation faced by the local population and ensure the safe and unhindered movement of humanitarian aid providers.

"As stated in my memorandum in 2021, Armenia and Azerbaijan must work towards reconciliation and ensure sustainable peace for all people," she added.