Armenian Permanent Representative to UN: Crisis caused by COVID-19  has a serious impact on the protection of civilians in conflict zones 

ArmInfo.The crisis caused by the spread of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has had a major impact on the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Mher  Margaryan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN, stated this  during his speech at a video conference on the topic "Protection of  Civilians in Armed Conflict" at the UN Security Council, organized by  the Estonian chairmanship of the organization.

At the same time, the Permanent Representative of Armenia recalled  that Armenia unconditionally supported the call of the UN Secretary  General for a global ceasefire, which is a key condition for  contributing to efforts in the fight against a pandemic in the  context of  conflict. According to him, the call of the Secretary  General was also supported by the authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh.  

Margaryan stated that the "Protection of Civilians in Armed  Conflicts" report indicates the devastating impact of conflicts on  the civilian population.  

"We share the opinion of the UN Secretary General on the urgent need  to promote quick, unhindered and safe humanitarian access to affected  populations to prevent their suffering. Attempts to deny humanitarian  access must be identified and effectively addressed. International  humanitarian law and international human rights law continue to be  key to the effective protection of civilians. Armenia attaches  paramount importance to full compliance by all parties to the  conflicts of the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols  without any political preconditions," the Armenian Permanent  Representative to the UN emphasized, adding that for the Armenian  authorities the promotion of international humanitarian law is an  important element in the management and reform of the security sector  in Armenia.  

He also added that the protection of children's rights is in the  focus of attention of the Armenian government in accordance with  international obligations, which is reflected in the National  Strategy.  At the same time, the Armenian diplomat emphasized that  Armenia highly appreciates the active participation of the  International Committee of the Red Cross in the matter of  strengthening the security of schools through the construction of  safe rooms and protective walls, as well as the implementation of  other programs. According to him, the ICRC's full and unhindered  access to conflict areas, including places of detention, is vital to  ensure the protection of civilians.

Margaryan emphasized in this context that the civilian population of  the border regions of Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)  continues to face serious humanitarian risks, which may be further  aggravated by the spread of the pandemic and the suspension of field  operations related to the conflict.  

"Strict compliance with the tripartite ceasefire and the  strengthening of the ceasefire from 1994-95, concluded by  Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan and Armenia, are important to ensure the  protection of civilians and prevent violations of international  humanitarian law. We strongly condemn Azerbaijan's ongoing attempts  to aggravate the situation along the Contact Line between Artsakh and  Azerbaijan and the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border, including  attacks on civilians, border points and infrastructures, sabotage  attempts and conducting large-scale undeclared military exercises of  an offensive nature, "Margaryan said.  

The Armenian diplomat noted that in a situation when the  international community is consolidating its efforts in combating the  COVID-19 pandemic, such actions completely ignore the UN Secretary  General's calls for a global ceasefire and the calls of the OSCE  Minsk Group co-chairs to refrain from any provocative actions that  may further increase tension during this period.  

Margaryan also touched on the ECHR verdict of May 26 in the case of  Makuchyan and Minasyan v. Azerbaijan and Hungary recalling that   Armenia has  long raised the issue of the need to combat  manifestations of racial and ethnic profiling, glorification of hate  crimes, denial and justification of the past crimes, especially at  the level of state leaders and with their promotion.

"Today, decisive actions by the UN and regional organizations to  promote early warning, including preventing hate speech and identity  crimes, are becoming increasingly important in ensuring the effective  protection of civilians in armed conflicts," Margaryan concluded.