Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS , 27th Sept. UN refugee agency on Tuesday expressed grave over the movement of a large number of refugees to Armenia because of the recent hostilities in Nagaro Karabakh region.
UNHCR reported that 19,000 refugees have left the Karabakh Economic Region of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including many elderly people, women and children.
The agency’spokesperson Shabia Mantoo called on all sides to protect civilians and to fully respect international humanitarian refugee law allowing them safe passage.
Ms. Mantoo urged both parties must “refrain from actions that would cause displacement of civilians and ensure their safety, security and human rights and nobody should be forced to flee their homes”.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in a regular press brifing in New York said the Secretary General f António Guterres was “very concerned” about the displacement.
“It’s essential that the rights of the displaced populations be protected and that they receive the humanitarian support they are owed,” Dujarric stated.
He underlined that the UN was “not involved in the humanitarian situation” within the region, but the UN aid coordination office is on the ground in Armenia.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region has persisted for three decades, but a ceasefire and subsequent Trilateral Statement was agreed three years ago after 6 weeks of fighting by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia, led to the deployment of several thousand Russian peacekeepers.
Mr. Guterres called for fully-fledged access for aid workers to people in need.
He called for de-escalation “in the strongest terms” and “stricter” observance of the 2020 ceasefire, and principles of international humanitarian law, in a statement issued by UN spokesman office in New York.
Ms. Mantoo stressed that the “complex and multicultural” situation, access to asylum must be maintained for people in need of international protection “to ensure that people are treated humanely that their rights are protected and respected, and that they can access the protection and safety that they need”.
She said support is needed for countries at the front lines that are receiving people in need of protection.
Ms. Mantoo called for “alternatives for a legal stay”, and an “expansion of regular and safe pathways so people don’t have to risk their lives and that we don’t see these types of backlogs and pressures”.
She reiterated that the regional response requires international solidarity and a concerted effort by all States and stakeholders.
Regarding UNHCR’s teams on the ground in Armenia, Ms. Mantoo explained that they were monitoring the situation closely.
Ms. Mantoo said that people were “suffering the effects of trauma and exhaustion and need urgent psychosocial support.
She added that the government of Armenia was leading the response and was expected to appeal to the international community for additional support.
UNHCR has provided assistance, including non-food items, portable beds, mattresses and bedding.
“There is also a need for shelter, warm clothing and other essential non-food items. And we’re mobilizing further assistance and coordinating with local government and partners to respond to the increasing needs,” she concluded.
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