Shabia Mantoo, global spokesperson for UNHCR.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk issued a statement today on the situation in the border region between Armenia and Azerbaijan, calling for the protection of the rights of local Armenians and ensuring that affected civilians have access to humanitarian assistance.
Armenia and Azerbaijan have been clashing in the border region for more than three decades, but after six weeks of fighting in 2020, the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia reached a ceasefire agreement that year and subsequently signed a tripartite statement, which led to the deployment of thousands of Russian peacekeepers there.
However, last week, fighting resumed between Azerbaijan and Armenia, affecting countless civilians and fleeing to Armenia.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Türk said he was closely monitoring the evolving and fragile humanitarian situation and that it was imperative to ensure that the rights of Armenians in the region were guaranteed and that all actions were based on international law. The protection of all civilians must be an absolute priority, and those affected must have access to humanitarian assistance.
Respect for the principles of human rights
Türk said the rights of internally displaced persons and persons in refugee-like situations must be fully upheld, including ensuring that they can exercise their right to return in safety and dignity. He also called for due attention to be given to reports of missing persons.
He noted that any reported violations of human rights or international humanitarian law required follow-up, including prompt, independent and transparent investigations, to ensure accountability and remedies for victims, where appropriate.
"States have an obligation not to deny ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities the right to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practise their own religion or to use their own language," Türk added. Each State shall also protect the existence of minorities within its territory and their national or ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic identities and encourage the creation of conditions for the protection of such identities. ”
Protection of civilians
UNHCR also today expressed concern about the situation of Armenians on the Asian-Afghan border.
Some 13,550 refugees, including many elderly, women and children, have reportedly left the area.
UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo called on all parties to protect civilians, fully respect international humanitarian and refugee law, and allow safe passage for civilians.
At a regular U.N. agency press conference in Geneva, she said all parties must "refrain from actions that could lead to the displacement of civilians, guarantee their safety, security and human rights, and no one should be forced to flee their homes."
The Secretary-General expressed concern
As fighting broke out last week and the first refugees arrived in Armenia, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, through his spokesman, has appealed to aid workers to reach out fully to those in need.
Guterres also called "in the strongest terms" for de-escalation and "stricter" compliance with the 2020 ceasefire agreement and the principles of international humanitarian law.
Mantu echoed Guterres' call, explaining: "In complex and culturally diverse situations, it is essential to provide asylum to people in need of international protection, to ensure that people are treated humanely, that their rights are protected and respected, and that they have access to the protection and security they need." ”
Mantu said there is also a need to support countries that are on the front lines receiving people in need of protection.
She also called for "alternatives to legal residence" and "expanding normal and safe pathways so that people don't have to risk their lives and we don't run into the backlog of such problems and the pressures that come with it."
Global solidarity
Mantu reiterated that tackling the region's problems requires global solidarity, the joint efforts of all countries and stakeholders.
She noted that UNHCR's field team in Armenia was closely monitoring the situation on the ground.
"People are suffering from trauma and exhaustion and are in dire need of psychosocial support," Mantu said. His Government was taking the lead in addressing the issue and would appeal to the international community for further support. ”
UNHCR also provided assistance, including non-food items, portable beds, mattresses and bedding.
"We also need shelter, warm clothing and other non-food essentials," Tuman said. We are mobilizing additional aid and coordinating with local governments and partners to respond to the growing demand for assistance. ”
