MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the humanitarian consequences of the blockade in Nagorno-Karabakh

17.1.2023 - (2023/2504(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure

Viola von Cramon‑Taubadel, Michèle Rivasi, Sarah Wiener, Ignazio Corrao, Hannah Neumann, Ana Miranda, Rosa D'Amato, Francisco Guerreiro, Jordi Solé, Markéta Gregorová, Tineke Strik
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B9-0075/2023

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

B9‑0077/2023

European Parliament resolution on the humanitarian consequences of the blockade in Nagorno-Karabakh

(2023/2504(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Armenia and Azerbaijan;

–  having regard to the statement by the EEAS Spokesperson on the developments around the Lachin corridor of 13 December 2022,

–  having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure;

1. whereas the sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia has been blocked since 12 December 2022, disrupting access to essential goods and services for tens of thousands of Armenians living there and preventing Nagorno-Karabakh residents from leaving the region;
2. whereas restrictions to the freedom of movement along the Lachin corridor cause significant distress to the local population and could lead to dire humanitarian consequences;

 

1. Condemns the actions of the government of Azerbaijan and calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to ensure freedom and security of movement along the corridor, including by air, in line with the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020;
2. Urges Azerbaijan to refrain from actions aimed at undermining the functioning of transport and energy communication connecting Armenia with Nagorno Karabakh in the future;
3. Insists on unimpeded access for the respective UN agencies and international NGOs to Nagorno-Karabakh in order to assess the situation and provide humanitarian assistance, in particular in order to deliver food and medical supplies, given the severe medical situation and risk of starvation;
4. Strongly condemns the scapegoating of human rights defenders (HRDs) and other civil society organisations (CSOs) as the reason for the escalation of conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh; rejects the smear campaigns, defamation and judicial harassment, directed against HRDs, including those working on peace-building initiatives, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ rights;
5. Calls on Azerbaijan to act in a way to assure that the strategic road of the corridor of Latchin remains open and no protest can deny Nagorno-Karabakh residents their rights of access to essential services and goods and to freedom of movement, whether the protesters have genuine environmental concerns or other grievances;
6. Calls on the EU to engage with CSOs of Nagorno Karabakh, including environmental organisations, for the purpose of international monitoring of the situation at mining enterprises of Nagorno Karabakh;
7. Calls on EU and Member States’ representations in both countries to increase their support for HRDs’ work, and, where appropriate, to facilitate the issuance of emergency visas and provide temporary shelter in the EU Member States;
8. Calls on all sides, including the EU, to support the activities of civil society in establishing a dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, for the speedy establishment of mutual trust and conditions for long-term peace in the region;
9. Underlines the need for a comprehensive peace agreement which needs to provide firm guarantees for the rights and security of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh; urges the EU to play a greater role with the facilitation and in the de-escalation of the situation in the Lachin corridor;
10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, of Armenia and of Azerbaijan.