August 16, 2023

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Briefing of the Emergency Relief Coordinator to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in the area around the Lachin Corridor

(Delivered by Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy)

Thank you, Madam President,

And thank you very much to Council members for the opportunity to brief you today.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is not currently in a position to independently verify information regarding the movement of people or goods through routes that include the Lachin corridor, or on the well-being of civilians in the areas where Russian peacekeepers have been deployed.

We are aware, however, of ongoing reports on these issues including around shortages of food and medicines, and disruption to energy supplies that are required to maintain critical infrastructure and services such as health and water facilities.

We are also aware of reports that some essential health care interventions may have had to be suspended, including surgeries. OCHA is in regular contact with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which remains the only international humanitarian body that has access to the area.

As the ICRC reported in their 25 July statement, they have been unable to transport humanitarian assistance through the Lachin corridor to the civilian population in the area, or through any other route, including Aghdam, for several weeks.

Although medical evacuations continue, the ICRC has not been able to bring medical items into the area since 7 July, and their food deliveries stopped on 14 June. ICRC has highlighted concerning shortages of essential food items and life-saving medical supplies.

Madam President,

International Humanitarian Law is very clear: parties must allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for all civilians in need. They must ensure that humanitarian relief personnel have the freedom of movement required for their functions.

What matters is that passage is as rapid as possible in the circumstances. It is therefore critical that the ICRC’s delivery of humanitarian relief be allowed to resume through any available routes.

Madam President,

The ICRC is doing everything it can, but as a single organization it can only cover the most urgent needs. Other impartial humanitarian relief must also be allowed to reach civilians who need it, and a sustainable solution for safe and regular transit of people and goods must be found.

Here I would reference the Secretary-General’s statement on 2 August, in which he expressed particular concern about reports of the deteriorating humanitarian situation on the ground and called for urgent steps to facilitate access.

It is incumbent on the parties not to impede or politicize any principled humanitarian effort. Responding to humanitarian needs is not an act of legitimization or recognition; it does not take sides and it does not yield to political influence.

OCHA will continue to engage with the parties on humanitarian access to meet the essential needs of civilians in the area.

The UN Country Teams in both Armenia and Azerbaijan also maintain open channels with the authorities in those countries and stand fully ready to do everything they can to ensure a response to humanitarian needs.

Thank you, Madam President.