Newsletter of the Artsakh Government – Day 79 Under Blockade

Increases in Illnesses and Complications in Artsakh Due to Azerbaijan’s Blockade and Criminal Actions

As a result of Azerbaijan’s 78-day blockade of the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia, as well as the continuous stress caused by uncertainties and threats stemming from Azerbaijan’s criminal actions, instances of a number of illnesses and complications have increased in Artsakh compared to the same period last year. 

According to data from the Artsakh Ministry of Healthcare, these include coronary heart disease, which has increased by 58%, strokes, which have increased by 36%, childbirth complications, which have increased by 11.6%, as well as a number of other illnesses.

There has been a recorded increase in neurological and psychological problems compared to the same period last year for both adults and children, as shown by a 46% increase in children’s visits to neurologists and psychologists and a 47% increase in the case of adults.

There has been a 25% increase in surgical interventions for intestinal obstruction compared to the same period last year, which may be due to nutritional deficiencies.

There were moreover 30 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from the periodic interruptions and incomplete restorations of the gas supply.

President Arayik Harutyunyan Pays Respects on the Occasion of the 35th Anniversary of Sumgait Massacres

On February 28, on the occasion of the Day of Commemoration of the Victims of the Massacres organized by Azerbaijan and the Day of Protection of the Rights of Armenian Refugees, President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan accompanied by Chairman of the National Assembly Artur Tovmasyan, Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, representatives of the legislative and executive bodies, members of the Security Council attended the Stepanakert Memorial Complex, paid tribute and laid a wreath at the memorial stone perpetuating the memory of the Armenians who fell victims to the massacres organized by the Azerbaijani authorities.

Thereafter, a requiem ceremony was performed by the Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan dedicated to the memory of the victims of the massacres.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Issues Statement on Occasion of 35th Anniversary of the Massacres of Armenians in Sumgait

The Sumgait Massacre became the first large-scale manifestation of Azerbaijan’s decades-long discriminatory and genocidal policy toward the Armenian people. It was followed by massacres of Armenians in other cities of Azerbaijan, including Baku, Kirovabad, Shamakhi, Shamkhor, Mingechaur, and elsewhere, as well as the three wars unleashed against Artsakh, which were accompanied by targeted attacks on civilians, the use of prohibited and indiscriminate weapons, and other war crimes.

Thirty-five years later, Azerbaijan’s policy of oppression, intimidation, gross violations of human rights, use of force or threat of force, expulsion, and ethnic cleansing against the people of Artsakh has not changed. Nevertheless, despite all the difficulties and challenges facing the Republic, the people of Artsakh remain firm and resolute in defending their rights in their historical homeland and continuing the struggle for freedom, independence, democracy, and human rights.

Update of daily statistics

1 child is in the neonatal and intensive care units of the children’s hospital.

4 adult patients are in the intensive care unit, 1 of whom is in critical condition.

305 children have been born under the blockade.

About 740 people have been deprived of the opportunity to receive necessary medical treatment due to suspensions of planned surgeries in all medical facilities of Artsakh.

As of today, 127 patients have been transferred from Artsakh to Armenia to receive appropriate medical care with the mediation and accompaniment of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

755 business entities (17.7% of the total) have suspended their activities due to the impossible operating conditions under the blockade, while the remaining operate partially or with state support.

At least 5,100 people have lost jobs and sources of income as a result of the impact on the economy.

More than 31,200 tons of vital supplies, which would have been delivered during the period of the blockade, have not reached Artsakh. Only a meager amount has since been delivered by the ICRC and the Russian peacekeeping forces.

Key facts

Since the beginning of the blockade, many countries and international organizations have condemned Azerbaijan’s actions and called for the lifting of the blockade. The issue was also discussed in the UN Security Council. The European Court of Human Rights obliged Azerbaijan to take all necessary and sufficient measures to end the blockade. The UN’s International Court of Justice (The Hague) discussed the issue within the proceedings of the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and ordered Azerbaijan to ensure unimpeded movement through the Lachin Corridor. The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the humanitarian consequences of the blockade of Artsakh.

https://mailchi.mp/cb817192848c/day79en