Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Humanitarian Support 2023-10-24
2023-10-24
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Following a conflict last month in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, humanitarian needs are significant. The questioner seeks details on government actions to provide aid.
What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that humanitarian support reaches people affected by the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region?
Following the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh last month, the Government called for an end to violence and direct talks between parties. The UK provided £1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross for humanitarian needs, and the UN has had access to the region.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The region faces challenges with landmines left by Armenian forces and requires reconstruction after the conflict. The questioner asks about UK government and British company support.
I thank the Minister for his answer, and I refer the House to my role as vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary group for Azerbaijan. What support are the UK Government and British companies providing in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan to help to clear the landmines laid by Armenian forces, as well as to support the reconstruction of the towns and communities that were destroyed and looted during the occupation?
The UK continues to assess humanitarian needs, including de-mining efforts in both Armenia and Azerbaijan. £1 million has been provided to the UN development programme since 2020 for these efforts, and discussions on reconstruction are ongoing with Azerbaijani authorities.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Almost all of the ethnic Armenian population has fled due to Azerbaijan's military intervention, leaving very few people behind. The questioner highlights displacement and reports of potential ethnic cleansing.
While unspeakable horrors unfold in Israel and Palestine, we must not forget other conflicts around the world in which crimes against humanity have been committed against innocent civilians. Following Azerbaijan's military intervention in Nagorno-Karabakh, almost all of the ethnic Armenian population has been forced to flee. With more than 100,000 people displaced, and reports that as few as 50 but a maximum of 1,000 remain in the region, does the Minister agree that it bears the hallmarks of ethnic cleansing?
I do not agree, but we have urged both sides to resume dialogue for a sustainable peace. I will make this point again when traveling to both countries in the coming weeks.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not explicitly address whether it bears hallmarks of ethnic cleansing as asked.
I Do Not Agree
Response accuracy