The US Department of State has expressed deep concern over the growing rate of severe malnutrition among thousands of people fleeing the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. This comes amid a sharp escalation in fighting between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces in the region.
A senior US official, Samantha Power, who is the United States Special Envoy on Nagorno-Karabakh, said the US was appalled by the reports of prolonged, malnutrition and extreme poverty in the region, especially amongst children. It is estimated that over 80,000 people have been displaced due to the conflict and 32 of the 44 total districts currently under the control of Azerbaijan are facing a severe food and medical crisis.
Ms. Power said the US was working with its partners, including UN agencies, governments and several NGOs, to assist the affected populations who are being forced to flee with limited access to food, shelter, medical care and other basic needs. She said the United States was also providing financial assistance and helping to coordinate the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Ms. Power noted that the conflict had taken a particularly devastating toll on the civilian population as almost half the people displaced due to the conflict were children. She added that malnutrition was one of the biggest connected risks and called for a solution that would allow for the safe and dignified return of refugees to their homes.
The US envoy further warned that the situation could have serious long-term ramifications, as the children affected by the conflict could succumb to severe malnutrition which in turn could lead to further health problems in the future. She implored all parties to the conflict to put an end to the hostilities and work towards a peaceful resolution and ensuring access to sh lifeline for the affected population.
The US appeal comes at a time when the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict has reached new heights and the International Committee of the Red Cross has also called for a potential humanitarian catastrophe due to the conflict. It is essential that the parties to the conflict bring an immediate ceasefire and sit down to settle the dispute through diplomatic means, before more civilian lives are at risk.