HRC 54th Session: Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights

15 September, 2023

Delivered by Ms. Lilit Toutkhalian, Minister Extraordinary and Envoy Plenipotentiary

Mr. President,

Armenia has been facing UCMs almost since its independence. Azerbaijan has blocked land borders with Armenia to exert pressure for political purposes related to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The objective was to impose collective punishment upon the people of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan has developed the economic and transport infrastructure that intentionally circumvents Armenia based purely on political considerations. In doing so, Azerbaijan has violated its international obligations, in particular its commitment to promote economic and social development of all peoples and commitment to maintain good neighborly relations. Another example of the UCMs introduced by Azerbaijan is the travel ban against any person of the Armenian origin.

However, while Armenia possesses other options for connecting to international transportation routes, Nagorno-Karabakh has only one option – a connection through the Lachin Corridor agreed upon by the parties, including Azerbaijan, in the trilateral statement of November 2020. It has been referred to as a life-line for the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh. Azerbaijan violated the agreement on the Corridor and has been keeping it impassable since December 2022. Neither two binding orders of the International Court of Justice, nor multiple international calls have so far resulted in lifting of this Unilateral Coercive Measure employed by Azerbaijan.

Thank you.

MFA RA
official website

Dual citizenship

Electronic visa

Visa applications