Support to people affected by conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh
Published
The situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region is increasingly critical following recent developments, and a large number of people are in need of humanitarian assistance. The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) is providing SEK 15 million in support to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to meet people’s urgent needs, including medical transport, food and cash grants to be able to purchase the most essential items.
“The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is extremely worrisome. People who have endured months of isolation are in need of food and medicines. Through Sida’s support, the ICRC can continue its crucial work and provide assistance to people. They’ve also increased preparedness in case the security situation deteriorates further,” says Sida’s Director of Humanitarian Assistance Jakob Wernerman.
The majority of the population in Azerbaijan’s Nagorno-Karabakh region are ethnic Armenians. The Lachin Corridor, which is the only land route linking Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia, has been entirely or partially blocked for the last nine months.
On 19 September, Azerbaijan began a military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, resulting in civilians being killed and injured. The lack of food and medicines is making life difficult for the region’s approximately 120 000 residents. Through Sida, Sweden has now granted SEK 15 million in support to the ICRC, which is currently the only organisation with access to the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Support in response to emerging crises
The ICRC is Sida’s biggest humanitarian partner organisation, currently receiving financial support in response to more than 20 crises around the world. Moreover, Sida provides additional support that enables the ICRC to rapidly respond to emerging, severely deteriorating or underfunded humanitarian crises.
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