Azerbaijan: Activity highlights in the first half of 2021

Azerbaijan: Activity highlights in the first half of 2021

Article 18 August 2021 Azerbaijan

In the first half of 2021, the ICRC offices in Baku and Barda continued its activities to deliver effective humanitarian response in relation to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. During the first six months of the year, a number of projects were carried out which allowed to reach out to more than 12,000 people residing in the affected communities.

To assist the livelihood of affected people, cash assistance was distributed to 12,313 persons. Hundreds benefited from psychological support either through direct ICRC sessions or by psychologists trained by the organization.

The ICRC continued its dialogue with relevant authorities in activity directions under its mandate, and to promote the international humanitarian law. Strong collaboration was in place with the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society (AzRCS), in coordination with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to assess the needs and extend support when and where relevant.

80 first aid kits and 5 first aid boxes were distributed to branches of the AzRCS to ensure their readiness to respond in case of need. More than 60 AzRCS volunteers were part of different training sessions to enhance their capacities.

To support the healthcare system of the country, 26 ambulance staff operating in the areas affected by the conflict received first aid training to enhance their knowledge and skills.

The ICRC takes necessary steps to ensure business and operational continuity, and address the conflict-related needs and challenges under its mandate.

Below are a few highlights of our activities in the first half of 2021.

12,313
Families received cash assistance to support their livelihoods.
537
Individuals from villages along the former line of contact participated in safety awareness sessions from risks related to mines and explosive remnants of war.
283
Biological reference samples were collected from 118 families of missing persons from the 1990s to facilitate future identification of human remains.
182
Search and retrieval operations for human remains were carried out in the areas affected by the recent fighting in the presence of the ICRC.
500+
Officers and cadets of the MoD participated in training sessions related to IHL
141
Persons received individual psychological support sessions and follow up by ICRC psychologists.