Wednesday, October 11 2023 15:00

ArmInfo. The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, reiterated her  concern over the ongoing situation in the South Caucasus region, in which it is now reported that over 100,600 refugees, including 30,000 children, have arrived in Armenia from the region in just over a week. 

As stated in a press release published on the official website of the  Organization, Ms.  Alice Wairimu Nderitu in her statement, in  particular, notes:

"I call on all efforts to be made to ensure the protection and human  rights of the ethnic Armenian population who remain in the area and  of those who have left, including the right to return, which should  be prioritized," the Special Adviser stressed. The Special Adviser  echoed the call by the High Commissioner for Human Rights that the  rights of internally displaced people and of those in a refugee-like  situation must be fully upheld, including ensuring that they are able  to exercise their right to return in safety and dignity.  Special  Adviser Wairimu Nderitu noted the assurances that have been given by  Azerbaijan to protect the ethnic Armenian population and to ensure  that their rights are fully protected. She also welcomed the initial  access given to the UN to assess the humanitarian situation in the  area. At the same time, she emphasized the need that active efforts  are put in place to guarantee the security of the ethnic Armenian  population, both for those who are there now and for those who  exercise their right to return. "These positive steps need to be  continued, including by permitting full humanitarian access," said  the Special Adviser. "I encourage the Government of Azerbaijan to  take steps towards putting in place a comprehensive plan in this  regard, including measures to ensure the right to return of those who  have fled, as well as concrete steps for ensuring the rights and  protections of minorities, which is a cornerstone of international  human rights law," the Special Adviser noted. She further emphasized  the need for allegations of violations to be fully investigated,  including reports of civilian casualties and, where substantiated,  accountability for victims ensured, in line with relevant  international human rights and humanitarian law standards. Special  Adviser Wairimu Nderitu also reiterated her call for stepping up  dialogue to prevent any further military escalation and violence as  well as to promote a sustainable peace for the region: "The region  has witnessed cyclical violence for far too long. The impact on  civilians has always been devastating. The risk of atrocity crimes  remains present. All the people in the region deserve a future free  from violence and fear. This requires concrete action to ensure a  lasting peace, as well as to address and overcome the deep scars,  distrusts and division that exists between communities."