The United Nations (UN) has voiced grave apprehension regarding the intensifying humanitarian crisis in the South Caucasus, a region long afflicted by conflict. More than 100,600 ethnic-Armenian refugees, including 30,000 children, have recently sought refuge in Armenia, fleeing the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. This surge in displacement has raised alarm bells at the UN, prompting Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the UN's Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, to call for urgent measures to safeguard the rights and safety of these displaced individuals and to ensure their eventual return to their homes, should they desire.
The crisis in the South Caucasus is emblematic of a long-standing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. While internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, the region fell under the control of ethnic Armenian separatists in the mid-1990s. Subsequently, Armenian forces also took control of a significant amount of surrounding territory. However, in a six-week war in 2020, Azerbaijan managed to regain control of most of these territories.
The recent escalation began with Azerbaijan's launch of an "anti-terrorist" campaign in Nagorno-Karabakh in September. During a two-day offensive, Azerbaijan succeeded in reclaiming full control of the region, which had previously eluded its authority. Fearing reprisals, numerous ethnic Armenians fled across the border to Armenia, intensifying the crisis.
In the midst of the conflict, Armenian authorities accused Azerbaijan of "ethnic cleansing," an allegation that was vehemently denied. Alice Wairimu Nderitu echoed the call made by the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasizing the need to fully uphold the rights of internally displaced people and those in refugee-like situations. This includes ensuring their right to return in safety and dignity.
The UN's Special Adviser acknowledged the assurances provided by Azerbaijani authorities regarding the protection of the ethnic-Armenian population and their rights. She also welcomed the initial access granted to UN representatives to evaluate the humanitarian situation in the region. However, she stressed the necessity of continuing these positive steps, including permitting full humanitarian access.
In her statement, Nderitu urged the Azerbaijani government to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the right to return for those who have fled. She also emphasized the importance of concrete measures to protect the rights and well-being of minority populations, an essential component of international human rights law.
Nderitu called for thorough investigations into allegations of violations committed during the conflict, including reports of civilian casualties. She emphasized the need for full accountability, aligning with the standards of international human rights and humanitarian laws. Furthermore, she stressed the significance of increased dialogue to prevent further military escalation or violence in the South Caucasus, a region that has been plagued by cyclical violence for an extended period.
The South Caucasus region has endured a cycle of violence for far too long, with devastating consequences for civilians. The risk of atrocity crimes remains ever-present. Nderitu concluded by highlighting the importance of a future free from violence and fear for all residents of the region, which necessitates concrete actions to ensure lasting peace and to heal the deep-seated wounds, distrust, and division that persist among communities. The UN remains committed to addressing this crisis and promoting a brighter, more peaceful future for the South Caucasus.