ArmInfo.The crisis caused by the spread of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has had a major impact on the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Mher Margaryan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN, stated this during his speech at a video conference on the topic "Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict" at the UN Security Council, organized by the Estonian chairmanship of the organization.
At the same time, the Permanent Representative of Armenia recalled that Armenia unconditionally supported the call of the UN Secretary General for a global ceasefire, which is a key condition for contributing to efforts in the fight against a pandemic in the context of conflict. According to him, the call of the Secretary General was also supported by the authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Margaryan stated that the "Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflicts" report indicates the devastating impact of conflicts on the civilian population.
"We share the opinion of the UN Secretary General on the urgent need to promote quick, unhindered and safe humanitarian access to affected populations to prevent their suffering. Attempts to deny humanitarian access must be identified and effectively addressed. International humanitarian law and international human rights law continue to be key to the effective protection of civilians. Armenia attaches paramount importance to full compliance by all parties to the conflicts of the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols without any political preconditions," the Armenian Permanent Representative to the UN emphasized, adding that for the Armenian authorities the promotion of international humanitarian law is an important element in the management and reform of the security sector in Armenia.
He also added that the protection of children's rights is in the focus of attention of the Armenian government in accordance with international obligations, which is reflected in the National Strategy. At the same time, the Armenian diplomat emphasized that Armenia highly appreciates the active participation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the matter of strengthening the security of schools through the construction of safe rooms and protective walls, as well as the implementation of other programs. According to him, the ICRC's full and unhindered access to conflict areas, including places of detention, is vital to ensure the protection of civilians.
Margaryan emphasized in this context that the civilian population of the border regions of Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) continues to face serious humanitarian risks, which may be further aggravated by the spread of the pandemic and the suspension of field operations related to the conflict.
"Strict compliance with the tripartite ceasefire and the strengthening of the ceasefire from 1994-95, concluded by Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan and Armenia, are important to ensure the protection of civilians and prevent violations of international humanitarian law. We strongly condemn Azerbaijan's ongoing attempts to aggravate the situation along the Contact Line between Artsakh and Azerbaijan and the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border, including attacks on civilians, border points and infrastructures, sabotage attempts and conducting large-scale undeclared military exercises of an offensive nature, "Margaryan said.
The Armenian diplomat noted that in a situation when the international community is consolidating its efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, such actions completely ignore the UN Secretary General's calls for a global ceasefire and the calls of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs to refrain from any provocative actions that may further increase tension during this period.
Margaryan also touched on the ECHR verdict of May 26 in the case of Makuchyan and Minasyan v. Azerbaijan and Hungary recalling that Armenia has long raised the issue of the need to combat manifestations of racial and ethnic profiling, glorification of hate crimes, denial and justification of the past crimes, especially at the level of state leaders and with their promotion.
"Today, decisive actions by the UN and regional organizations to promote early warning, including preventing hate speech and identity crimes, are becoming increasingly important in ensuring the effective protection of civilians in armed conflicts," Margaryan concluded.