Far from being resolved, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has worsened. Food, fuel and medicine shortages generated by Azerbaijan’s 10-month blockade, detentions and unfounded accusations, and the recent assault by Azerbaijani forces, have created a humanitarian crisis.
Last week’s explosion at a petrol station near the regional capital Stepanakert, where people queued to fill up before leaving for Armenia, killed more than 60 persons and injured more than 250 with more than 100 still missing. The medical capacities of Nagorno Karabakh are not enough to save people’s lives. Contrary to commitments to respect the human rights of Nagorno-Karabakh residents, Azerbaijan’s blitz attack last week has prompted a mass flight of ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh into Armenia. The Lachin corridor, the only road out of the enclave, collapsed as residents rushed to leave, fearing Azerbaijan could close the corridor and intensify reprisals.Club de Madrid reiterates its concerns, urging the international community to act quickly to ensure humanitarian assistance and respect of human rights in the region and avoid what is already being described as ethnic cleansing.