World Vision strongly condemns all attacks amid the armed conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh

• At least four children and dozens of civilians are reported to be amongst over 350 casualties.
• There have been several reports of attacks on civilians in populated areas, including schools and kindergartens.
• World Vision will support 1,500 affected families as the conflict escalates.

World Vision is concerned about the safety of children who are at extreme risk due to large-scale military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Since military onslaught began on September 27th, there have been several reports of attacks on civilians in populated areas, including schools and kindergartens. More than 350 people have died since this conflict began, including, at least four children and dozens of civilians.

World Vision strongly condemns acts of violence against all civilians, especially children and calls on all parties to abide by the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.  

The international aid agency calls for peace and prays for the cessation of all hostilities.

“Reports of children caught up in, and being traumatised by this conflict are shocking. Moreover, the impacts on children are likely to be even more severe as they deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increase in cases since the conflict began. World Vision is mobilising resources across the Partnership and assessing the needs of children and their families in order to provide emergency and long-term assistance”, - says Eleanor Monbiot, World Vision’s Regional Leader for Middle East and Eastern Europe Region - “World Vision will provide more than 1,500 conflict affected families with humanitarian assistance”.

ENDS.

Notes to editor

For further information or to organise an interview, please contact: 

Leah Donoghue, Regional Communications Director, World Vision Middle East and Eastern Europe: e-mail Leah_donoghue@wvi.org Phone: +962 9828 6073

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.  For more information, please visit www.wvi.org or follow us on Twitter @WorldVision 

World Vision in Armenia

World Vision started its operations in Armenia right after the devastating earthquake in 1988 by delivering humanitarian aid. Later, along with the humanitarian support, World Vision started implementing development projects. Today, World Vision operates 15 offices in Armenia and supports every 7th child in the country and more than 650,000 children in 30 years.