Norway to provide support to civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh

Thousands of civilians have fled from Nagorno-Karabakh. The armed attacks launched by Azerbaijan have resulted in a humanitarian crisis and the people are in urgent need of protection and life-saving assistance. The situation is also critical for those who remain in Nagorno-Karabakh.

‘In recent months, we have watched with great concern as the humanitarian situation has deteriorated. The humanitarian needs are now enormous and many people have been displaced. The support we are providing to our partners will enable them to continue their efforts to alleviate suffering and preserve the dignity of the civilian population in a time of crisis,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.

Norway is contributing NOK 15 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for food, health care, water, electricity and heat. The Red Cross also provides transport for injured people in need of treatment and dignified management and transport of the deceased. Norway will also provide funding to Save the Children’s efforts to protect children and ensure that vulnerable children have access to basic services. The HALO Trust, which works with mine clearance, will also receive support to provide basic services and transport out of the region.

‘The International Red Cross Committee, Save the Children and the HALO Trust are partners we know well. They have already gained the trust of the local population and are able to reach those who are most in need of assistance,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.

Over the past year, the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has grown increasingly difficult due to Azerbaijan’s blockade of the road linking Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. By August, the region was contending with a critical shortage of food, fuel and health services.

Azerbaijan’s armed attack on 19 September lasted approximately 24 hours and caused extensive damage to homes, roads and civilian infrastructure. Family members have been separated from one another. On 26 September, the situation was exacerbated by an explosion at a fuel depot that killed 68 people and injured some 300 more. Many people are still missing.