Ngorno-Karabakh - Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan meet / ICRC warns that reopening of humanitarian access is urgent
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Armenia and Azerbaijan have made “further progress” toward a peace agreement in three days of U.S.-hosted talks near Washington between the two former Soviet republics that have repeatedly clashed over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. However, he also noted that there was much work ahead for the two parties before a final agreement.
A key issue is the re-opening of a road which passes through the Lachin Corridor in Azerbaijan and has been blocked since December 2022.
In a statement on July 25th ICRC has noted the urgency of reopening this aid corridor for humanitarian supplies.
"Despite persistent efforts, the ICRC is not currently able to bring humanitarian assistance to the civilian population through the Lachin corridor or through any other routes, including Aghdam. Under international humanitarian law, sides must allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need. This includes medical supplies and essential food."
Tens of thousands of people rely on humanitarian aid reaching them through these routes. The civilian population is now facing a lack of life-saving medication and essentials like hygiene products and baby formula. Fruits, vegetables, and bread are increasingly scarce and costly, while some other food items such as dairy products, sunflower oil, cereal, fish, and chicken are not available,” reads the statement.
There are estimated to be about 30,000 children who reside in Ngorno-Karabakh. This number increased last winter when Armenian families visited their relatives. About 3,000 people and 400 children were then unable to return to Armenia due to the road closure.
A key issue is the re-opening of a road which passes through the Lachin Corridor in Azerbaijan and has been blocked since December 2022.
In a statement on July 25th ICRC has noted the urgency of reopening this aid corridor for humanitarian supplies.
"Despite persistent efforts, the ICRC is not currently able to bring humanitarian assistance to the civilian population through the Lachin corridor or through any other routes, including Aghdam. Under international humanitarian law, sides must allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need. This includes medical supplies and essential food."
Tens of thousands of people rely on humanitarian aid reaching them through these routes. The civilian population is now facing a lack of life-saving medication and essentials like hygiene products and baby formula. Fruits, vegetables, and bread are increasingly scarce and costly, while some other food items such as dairy products, sunflower oil, cereal, fish, and chicken are not available,” reads the statement.
There are estimated to be about 30,000 children who reside in Ngorno-Karabakh. This number increased last winter when Armenian families visited their relatives. About 3,000 people and 400 children were then unable to return to Armenia due to the road closure.
The US has funded a UNICEF programme to support children in Ngorno-Karabakh, including those now unable to return home - click here for the UNICEF page.
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