Geneva (ICRC) – Nearly 70 metric tons of humanitarian supplies crossed the Lachin road on Saturday 23 September on an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) convoy.

NEWS RELEASE 23 SEPTEMBER 2023

The humanitarian goods — destined for communities in need — included 66 metric tons of wheat flour, 2,700 kilograms of salt, 450 kilograms of dried yeast, and 375 litres of sunflower oil.

An ICRC team on Saturday also carried out the medical evacuation of 17 people wounded during the fighting. The team delivered medical supplies and body bags for the dignified management of the dead to the local hospital.

This humanitarian work is possible because of ICRC’s role as a neutral intermediary. The ICRC speaks to all actors involved in a given situation of armed conflict to gain acceptance and carry out life-saving work for the greatest number of victims of violence possible.

Despite a recent cease-fire, the humanitarian consequences of the military escalation are strongly being felt across the region. Families are searching for relatives they have lost contact with, including unaccompanied children. Communities have been displaced and relatives are asking for assistance to bury dead bodies, while a lack of electricity, basic commodities and access to health care makes life difficult.

Given the scale of humanitarian needs, the ICRC is increasing its presence in the region by adding personnel specializing in health, forensics, protection issues, and weapons contamination issues.