The ongoing hostilities unacceptable and must stop immediately: UN Secretary General on situation in Nagorno Karabakh

UN strongly condemns all attacks on populated areas impacted by the conflict, including the strikes on the city of Barda, which reportedly killed and wounded many, as well as the ongoing reported shelling of Stepanakert and other localities in the Nagorno-Karabakh zone of conflict, spokesperson for UN Secretary General Stephane Dujarric said, adding that there can be no justification for such attacks.

“We again reiterate the Secretary-General’s call on the parties to immediately implement the humanitarian ceasefire that the parties have committed to and fully abide by their obligations to spare and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. The ongoing hostilities are unacceptable and must stop immediately,” the spokesperson stressed.

For its part, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a statement issued today that in one month of fighting, more than 130,000 people have been displaced, 76 schools and kindergartens damaged, and one maternity hospital shelled. Countless children are being scarred by the psychological impact of daily exposure to rocket and missile attacks in civilian areas.