Applicants from Artsakh to miss university admission exams because of blockade

• 01.11.2023, 12:55
•  World,  Armenia,  NKR

Արցախի Տեղեկատվական շտաբ / NKR InfoCenter / НКР ИнфоЦентр

50 applicants from Artsakh are unable to travel to Armenia to attend the entrance exams for admissions to universities because of the Azeri blockade, Armenpress reports.

The first stage of the 2023-2024 national admission tests is scheduled to begin on January 15, the Deputy Director of the Evaluation and Testing Center of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Karo Nasibyan said at a press conference. He said 50 students from Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) registered for the exams. "They were supposed to take the exams in Goris. Now, when the road is closed by the Azerbaijanis, they are unable to attend and this issue remains unresolved for now. The children’s right to take an exam is violated," Nasibyan said.

Asked whether or not the ministry can offer new dates for the applicants whenever the road gets opened, Nasibyan said it is indeed possible.

The Lachin Corridor is blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022. The corridor is the only travel and supply route for the 120,000 Armenians of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh). The blockade has caused a humanitarian crisis. Shortages of essential products such as food and medicine prompted Nagorno Karabakh authorities to introduce rationing. Hospitals are keeping planned surgeries on hold. 1,100 residents of Nagorno Karabakh, including 270 children who were in Armenia when the road was blocked are unable to return to their homes.