FACING THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS:
ARTSAKH BLOCKADE
Since December 12th, 2022, Azerbaijan has blocked the LACHIN CORRIDOR, which is the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia. As a result, 120,000 people have been isolated from the rest of the world.
770
civilians were unable to undergo surgical procedures to address their health issues..
5,700
civilians have lost their jobs and are struggling with unemployement
100,000+
civilians are food insecure, and cannot meet their daily nutritional needs
50,000+
civilians have experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
NO ACCESS TO EDUCATION
With this and other regular actions, the Azerbaijani side grossly violates the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which defines the right of every individual to receive an education. These actions have had a detrimental effect on the right to education of around 30,000 children, guaranteed by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The blocking of the Goris-Stepanakert road has hindered the ability of Armenian and international educational organizations to operate properly. Many of their employees are unable to return to their communities or are under siege in Artsakh.
30,000
child's right to education has been undermined by the blockade
120+
schools have been forced to close due to a lack of funding, supplies, gas or electricity
50%
increase in the number of children dropping out of school
200%
increase in the number of children experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression
Civic Initiative for the Right to Education
A group of organizations working in the field of education and science call on international actors, institutions, and foreign diplomatic missions to fulfill their responsibilities and take strong and targeted action to restore the right to education for the children of Artsakh, ensure a safe, educational environment and prevent discrimination against the entire population. It is essential to promptly reestablish safe communication via the Goris-Stepanakert highway, which is the only land route connecting Artsakh to Armenia. As an additional measure, it is necessary to provide air transportation in cases where the use of this route is necessary for urgent humanitarian purposes.
The impact of the blockade on the educational programs carried out by organizations.
Approximately 40% of students of the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies, who come from 30 different communities and take part in workshops, are currently unable to participate in the educational process due to the unavailability of transport fuel and maintenance.
The beneficiaries of the Ayb Hybrid Education Project have had to stop their meetings completely as a result of the absence of stable electricity, leading to a lack of connectivity. Additionally, 50% of pre-registered children were unable to participate in school competitions organized by the Foundation.
100% of Teach For Armenia educational foundation’s Teacher-Leaders were unable to teach due to school closures. Some teachers and students have also been unable to return to their respective communities because of the blockade.
All students attending AMAA centers are currently unable to attend due to the absence of food, heating gas supply, and electricity cuts.
The "Learn and Earn" project of AGBU Artsakh had to suspend its programs entirely due to the current situation.
The children from various regions of Artsakh who were participating in different programs organized by the "Hidden Road Initiative" NGO, such as camps, language courses, and first aid training, are unable to continue their participation.
The services of the COAF are now available to 80% fewer beneficiaries due to the blockade.
The Armenian Educational Foundation had to halt some of its projects related to school buildings, scholarship programs, and social worker training, affecting all the beneficiaries.
The educational process at Shirakatsi Lyceum in Artsakh has been disrupted due to the blockade, resulting in increased absenteeism among students due to various issues such as health problems, malnutrition, caregiving responsibilities, and psychological conditions.
Last updated July 20, 2023.