BRUSSELS: The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, has expressed her deep concern over the recent military escalation around the Karabakh region and its severe impact on civilians, particularly the most vulnerable.
In a statement released today, Commissioner Mijatović deplored the suffering endured by the local population as a result of armed hostilities in the area over the past years.
Commissioner Mijatović pointed out that since December of the previous year, the residents of the Karabakh region have faced isolation and acute shortages of basic supplies and services, exacerbating their already challenging circumstances. The recent resurgence of hostilities further threatens their safety and violates their human rights, adding to their distress.
Karabakh region: End the military escalation and ensure the safety and human rights of civilianshttps://t.co/YaDPFyRbSJ
— Commissioner for Human Rights (@CommissionerHR) September 20, 2023
EU Calls for End to Hostilities in Karabakh
While a ceasefire has been announced, Commissioner Mijatović emphasized the critical need to bring an end to armed hostilities in the region to ensure the safety of the civilian population. She stressed the importance of guaranteeing regular and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance providers and human rights defenders, who play a crucial role in protecting the rights of the affected local population.
The Commissioner called for an urgent reinstatement of the path towards reconciliation and the restoration of dialogue based on full respect for the human rights of the affected population. This, she believes, is essential to achieve lasting peace for all people in the region.
