Lynn Zovighian calls upon US congressional leaders to defend human rights of Artsakhi Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh
Keynote
April 9, 2024
Author:
Keywords: Artsakh Nagorno-Karabakh; Lachin Corridor blockade; Artsakhi Armenians; conflict; humanitarian crisis; genocide; forced displacement; siege; Azerbaijan; Armenia
[Beginning of speech]
Dear colleagues, friends and partners,
As the recipient of the 2022 International Religious Freedom Business Leader in Civil Society award, I am honored to address you today from Beirut, Lebanon. I urgently bring to your attention the dire situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.
In September 2023, Azerbaijan initiated a violent military incursion against the historic Artsakhi Armenian people of Nagorno-Karabakh.
After a 10-month blockade, the entire historic Christian community of Artsakhi Armenians was forcibly displaced within days, leaving behind their homes, cultural and religious heritage and private property.
Multiple crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and crimes of war have and continue to be documented.
Today, all Artsakhi Armenians are refugees. Their human rights are being denied with no legal or political recourse. The historic Armenian identity of Nagorno-Karabakh is being permanently eradicated by Azerbaijan with disturbing impunity.
Today, all Artsakhi Armenians are refugees. Their human rights are being denied with no legal or political recourse. The historic Armenian identity of Nagorno Karabakh is being permanently eradicated by Azerbaijan with disturbing impunity.
- Lynn Zovighian — Founder, Zovighian Public Office
This is a loss to the world and critically undermines religious tolerance, cultural diversity and any possibilities for peace and security in the South Caucasus.
Today, the world has moved on and is no longer playing a meaningful role in empowering genocide survivors to achieve justice and accountability.
I sincerely hope that my urgent appeal for help does not fall on deaf ears in a room of American congressional allies and international defenders of human rights.
I thank you and I yield the floor.
[End of speech]
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About the Zovighian Public Office
The Zovighian Public Office (ZPO) was established in 2015 to serve communities facing crises and crimes of atrocity. We are dedicated to amplifying their voices through research, advocacy, and diplomacy. We are deeply committed to justice and accountability for the Artsakhi Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh.
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