The Armenian Red Cross Society Reacts to Azerbaijan's Red Crescent Society's Statement

In response to recent developments, the Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) issued a statement on Thursday, highlighting concerns over the actions of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society that appear to breach the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Specifically, the ARCS expressed concerns about the violation of the principle of neutrality by the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, which has seemingly become involved in political processes.

The ARCS emphasized that the involvement of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society in political activities contradicts the core principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, as these organizations are not mandated to make political statements or serve political agendas. Such involvement is seen as a breach of the humanitarian values that these organizations are meant to uphold.

The statement also pointed out instances where the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society's actions seem to obstruct the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the primary humanitarian organization operating in Nagorno-Karabakh. The recent abduction of Vagif Khachatryan, who was under the protection of International Humanitarian Law while on his way to Armenia for surgery under ICRC escort, was highlighted as a concerning incident that raises questions about the humanitarian principles being upheld.

The ongoing situation involving the blockage of the Lachin Corridor, which has led to a humanitarian crisis, was also addressed. The ARCS indicated that the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, with its "humanitarian power," could potentially influence the side responsible for blocking the corridor to open it in line with humanitarian principles. This, according to the ARCS, could help alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in the region.

The ARCS underscored the significance of adhering to the decisions of the UN International Court of Justice from February and July of 2023, urging all components of the International Red Cross Movement—the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society—to align their actions with the core principles of the movement and fulfill their roles within their respective mandates.

The statement concluded by calling for a commitment to the Movement's principles and a focus on effective humanitarian mission implementation in the interest of the affected populations in Nagorno-Karabakh.