Nagorno-Karabakh: no to military aggression – protect the human rights and security of the people

(27 September 2023) Ten of thousands are fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh following the recent shelling by Azerbaijan. Once again workers and people bear the brunt of the hostilities and violence. The Karabakh Armenian people in the region have little confidence that their rights and security will be protected by the Azerbaijan army, Russian peacekeepers, or the international community, hence the mass exodus. The recent violence follows months in which supplies, including food were blocked in the Lachin corridor that links the region to Armenia.

EPSU’s General Secretary commented: It is crucial that Azerbaijan allows international aid organisations and human rights defenders into Nagorno-Karabakh to monitor the situation on the ground and prevent the violation of the rights and security of the people in the region. It is crucial that Armenia and Azerbaijan continue discussions to find a more lasting solution that guarantees security, peace and social justice for all.  The European Union, Russia and the global community should step up their humanitarian aid to Armenia and to the people in Nagorno-Karabakh.

He continued: The conflict has unfortunately become a playground for the interests of regional and global powers to the detriment of the people in Nagorno-Karabakh and the broader region. The use of force to solve conflicts in not acceptable. The immediate concern should be the human rights and security of the Karabakh Armenians. Longer term there is a need to strengthen organisations such as the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe and its Human Rights Treaty and for all concerned to respect the UN charter.