Rasmus Canbäck, a journalist focused on humanitarian issues, dives into the troubling actions of the Azerbaijani Red Crescent. The conversation reveals how this organization, sworn to help those in need, has allegedly facilitated the starvation of Armenians in Artsakh. Canbäck sheds light on the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from ongoing blockades and discusses the ethical responsibilities of humanitarian groups in politically charged environments. He also critiques the complicity of local and international organizations amidst intense geopolitical tension.
The Azerbaijani Red Crescent's obstruction of aid during the blockade highlights its role as a political tool rather than a true humanitarian organization.
The ongoing ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, coupled with inadequate international response, underscores a dire humanitarian crisis requiring urgent accountability.
Deep dives
Ethnic Cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh
The ethnic cleansing of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh, is a critical issue highlighted in this discussion. Following a decisive victory for Azerbaijan in 2020, the region saw a systematic expulsion of its Armenian population, leading to a drastic decrease in their numbers to just eight individuals remaining. The destruction of historic churches and Armenian cultural sites has further compounded the tragedy. This situation reflects the ongoing conflict and the dire humanitarian implications that have arisen from Azerbaijan's efforts to consolidate control over the enclave.
Azerbaijani Red Crescent's Role in Humanitarian Crisis
The Azerbaijani Red Crescent has been criticized for its complicity in exacerbating the humanitarian crisis faced by Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. The organization, which is closely tied to the Azerbaijani government, reportedly denied aid to those in need during the blockade. This obstruction has been framed as a political maneuver, with accusations that the Red Crescent has been used as a tool to curry favor with the Azerbaijani authorities rather than a genuine humanitarian organization. As a result, many faced starvation and medical emergencies without access to critical supplies and assistance during the blockade.
Blockade's Impact on Humanitarian Access
The blockade of the Lachin Corridor, imposed by self-described environmental activists but effectively supported by the Azerbaijani government, created severe restrictions on humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh. Initially framed as a protest, the blockade devolved into a full hindrance of aid, including medical evacuations and basic necessities. Reports indicate that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) faced increasing difficulties in delivering supplies, leading to a humanitarian catastrophe in the region. The various stages of the blockade underscored how political maneuvers can directly lead to widespread suffering among the population.
International Response and Accountability
The international community’s response to the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has been criticized as inadequate, raising concerns about accountability for the actions of organizations like the Azerbaijani Red Crescent. Recent discussions around the need for a thorough investigation into these humanitarian violations suggest that there might be potential for accountability mechanisms to be enacted. With comparisons being drawn to previous cases like the Belarusian Red Cross, the future implications for humanitarian operations in conflict zones are uncertain. Observers fear that the Azerbaijani government's influence may continue to escalate, further complicating international humanitarian efforts and placing vulnerable populations at risk.
In this episode we speak to journalist Rasmus Canbäck about his investiagtion into the Azerbaijani Red Crescent organisation. They were swore an oath to help anyone in need, but instead they further faciliatted the starvation of Armenians blockaded in Artsakh / Karabakh.