Alice Wairimu Nderitu, Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on Genocide Prevention and Deputy Secretary General made a statement regarding the situation in Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"The Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, Deputy Secretary General Alice Wairimu Nderitu, expressed his alarm regarding the latest military escalation by Azerbaijan, took note of the information about the cease-fire announced on September 20, and emphasized the importance of preventing new violence and ensuring stable peace in the region, which will protect the rights of the whole people.

Military action can only contribute to the escalation of an already tense situation and expose the area's civilian population to the risk of violence, including genocide and related crimes. It is necessary to make all efforts to prevent violence and maintain peace," the special adviser emphasized.

Nderitu reiterated the call for dialogue and peace, as well as the avoidance of any escalation of tensions, which he made during his briefing at the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council on July 4 this year, and highlighted the impact of violence on innocent and vulnerable civilians.

"Previous instances of military escalation in the region have had a significant negative impact on civilians, and recent escalations have also resulted in reports of civilian casualties. In addition, reports of hate speech and enmity use have increased in the region, fueling tensions. Violence and hatred complement each other. We must break this vicious cycle and work to build a future where there is no more hatred and division. I call on all parties to advance constructive dialogue and negotiations with full respect for international humanitarian and human rights norms."

The Special Adviser also expressed concern that these developments were taking place despite recent progress in providing humanitarian aid to the region, including through the Lachine Corridor. The Special Adviser recalled the decision of the International Court of Justice of February 22, 2023, which was approved by the court on July 6, 2023, establishing interim measures in the case related to the application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Armenia vs. Azerbaijan).

She also repeated the calls of the UN Secretary-General on February 24 and August 3, 2023, noting that the decisions of the International Court of Justice are binding on the parties. The Special Adviser emphasized their full implementation, including the decision to take all measures to ensure the smooth movement of people, vehicles, and cargo in both directions through the Lachine Corridor. She has repeated this message before, including on April 28, 2023, during the event organized by the permanent representation of Armenia at the United Nations on the topic "Prevention of crimes in the digital age."

"The fact that it was possible to deliver a certain amount of humanitarian aid to the population living in that area speaks of a positive shift that should be continued in line with international humanitarian law. This was an important advance that should be expanded. All people deserve a life free from hate, insecurity, hunger, and conflict."