Azerbaijan has barred the International Committee of the Red Cross from transferring critically ill patients from Artsakh to Armenia, Artsakh’s Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan said on Wednesday.
Stepanyan said Azerbaijan has been obstructing the ICRC transfer of patients from Artsakh since an illegal checkpoint was established on the already blockaded Lachin Corridor.
“After setting up a checkpoint, Azerbaijan has been obstructing the activities of the Red Cross in Artsakh in every possible way. For 11 days now, the ICRC has been unable to transport patients in critical health conditions to medical facilities in Armenia,” Stepanyan said in a social media post.
The ICRC told Armenpress that it has not facilitated transfer of patients from Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia since April 29 and is now discussing details pertaining to the format of its work with decision-makers from the parties involved.
“In regards to developments, the International Committee of the Red Cross is discussing with all decision-makers from the parties the details pertaining to the format of our work,” ICRC Armenia Communications and Prevention Manager Zara Amatuni said.
Amatuni explained that the process is confidential and the discussions are underway. She did not elaborate further on the discussions.
“It’s about the continuity of our humanitarian work. We hope it will be restored. However, there is some need for clarification, and now this process is taking place. During this period we are not implementing transfers because we must have clarity regarding several details with all parties involved,” Amatuni said.
Artsakh’s health ministry announced that much-needed medical supplies have not been delivered since April 29, adding that patients, as well as ICRC personnel, have been subjected to passport checks at the illegal checkpoint, a practice that had not been in place before.
During this period, only two severely ill patients were transported from Artsakh to Armenia’s specialized medical institutions through the Russian peacekeeping contingent, while there are 30 patients requiring urgent medical care.
:The Azerbaijani side, pursuing the goal of total isolation of Artsakh, is undertaking deliberate measures, aimed at hindering the activities of even humanitarian organizations in Artsakh, putting forward additional artificial demands and obstacles,” Stepanyan, the Artsakh Human Rights Defender said on Wednesday..
“Azerbaijan is not willing to take a constructive stance even on humanitarian matters and does not miss an opportunity to intimidate the peaceful population and deepen their physical and psychological suffering caused by the blockade,” added Stepanyan who accused official Baku of deliberately deepening the humanitarian crisis.
“Azerbaijan’s actions directly contradict international law and the humane principles, which should be clearly condemned by international organizations and the human rights community.
We expect practical intervention by international structures in the settlement of this urgent humanitarian issue,” added Stepanyan.
