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Cancel Chess Championship in Baku
Dear FIDE,
I am writing to bring to your attention the dire humanitarian situation in the Republic of Artsakh, where 50 days ago, an autonomous state of 120,000 ethnic-indigenous Armenians, faced a crisis due to food and medical shortages. The situation has been exacerbated by Azerbaijan's provocation, which has led to inconsistent gas and power supply, making it difficult for citizens to survive the winter as temperatures have dropped to negative degrees.
On December 12, 2022, Azerbaijan blockaded the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia, in violation of the 2020 ceasefire brokered by Russia. This is a dictatorial act that has been reported by various news outlets worldwide, including the BBC. The blockade has led to a worsening of the situation, with daily rolling blackouts and a tense energy supply for the population. This has led to many people losing their jobs and economic hardships for the population, adding to the humanitarian crisis.
Multiple non-governmental organizations, including Genocide Watch, have warned that Azerbaijan's blockade is a potential genocide, in which conditions are deliberately inflicted on the population with the intent of destroying a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. All 14 risk factors for atrocity crimes identified by the UN Secretary-General's Office on Genocide Prevention are now present. Moreover, there is also documentation of state-sponsored Armenophobia in Azerbaijan, as reported by Human Rights Watch.
We urge you to refrain from hosting the 2023 World Cup in Baku. Supporting or overlooking the humanitarian crimes committed by Azerbaijan, promotes and encourages them to continue with their genocidal policies. We stand in solidarity with the people of Artsakh and call on the international community to condemn Azerbaijan's actions and hold them accountable for their war crimes.
Sincerely,
URGENT: DOES F1 SUPPORT WAR CRIMES?! CANCEL F1 AZERBAIJAN
Dear F1 organizers, sponsors, members, and drivers,
On December 12, 2022, Azerbaijan blockaded the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia. The Republic of Artsakh is an autonomous state of 120,000 ethnic-indigenous Armenians, who are facing a humanitarian crisis as food and medical shortages are at an all time high.
Gas and power are inconsistent due to Azerbaijan’s provocation, therefore citizens of the Republic Artsakh are struggling to survive through the winter as temperatures have reached disturbing levels of negative zero degrees Fahrenheit. Of the 120,000 citizens, 30,000 are helpless-innocent children.
As we enter 2023, schools in Artsakh have closed indefinitely due to the scarcity of everyday needs, along with vast fear from the siege. Numerous world-wide newscasters from prominent broadcasting networks have reported on this humanitarian crisis, from BBC news: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64174164.
The outlandish and disturbing steps Azerbaijan continuously takes without remorse not only violates the 2020 ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan, brokered by Russia, but it is dictatorial.
Recent JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the humanitarian consequences of the blockade in Nagorno-Karabakh passed by European Parliament to call on Azerbaijan to end Artsakh Blockage immediately. Read more follow the link.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/RC-9-2023-0075_EN.html
We request that you uphold your long-standing values and cancel your Grand Prix in Azerbaijan on April 30, 2023.
Continuing with the Grand Prix in Azerbaijan in the face of its invasion of Armenia and atrocious war crimes committed with the support of the Azerbaijan leadership, which have thoroughly been documented, is not only inhumane, but it is also the epitome of hypocrisy. Please see https://azeriwarcrimes.org/
The world is watching. Please do the right thing.
Thank you.
Azerbaijan's Illegal Blockage of Artsakh-Letter to Canadian Members of Parliament
Dear Members of Parliament,
I am writing to express my grave concern about the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the only highway connecting Artsakh with Armenia, by Azerbaijan. This blockade is preventing vital aid and supplies from reaching the people of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), putting them at risk of starvation and possible genocide.
The Russian peacekeeping mission established in Artsakh, after the November 2020 trilateral statement between Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan, is unable to fulfill their obligations and responsibilities, such as the free movement of people and goods through the corridor. Additionally, there have been major violations of the agreement by Russia and Azerbaijan, as reported by the OSCE.
The situation in the region continues to worsen, with the introduction of a 4-hour schedule of rolling blackouts on a daily basis, and a tense energy supply for the population. Furthermore, the mass unemployment rate is increasing, as the number of suspended economic entities in Artsakh increases, leading to severe economic hardships for the population and adding to the humanitarian crisis. Schools have been closed due to shortages of food and heat, and hospitals have been forced to put surgeries on hold, resulting in two confirmed deaths among the Artsakh population due to lack of medical aid.
Multiple non-governmental organizations, including Genocide Watch, have warned that Azerbaijan's blockade is a potential genocide, in which conditions are deliberately inflicted on the population with the intent of destroying a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. All 14 risk factors for atrocity crimes identified by the UN Secretary-General's Office on Genocide Prevention are now present. Moreover, there is also documentation of state-sponsored Armenophobia in Azerbaijan, as reported by Human Rights Watch.
I urge you and the Foreign Affairs Committee to take immediate action to address these critical issues. The committee's decision to convene urgent hearings on the blockade is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. I urge the Canadian Government to take concrete steps, including sanctions, to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its aggression, state-sponsored policy of Armenophobia, and potential genocide towards the innocent people of Artsakh. Additionally, a multilateral peacekeeping mission should be established to ensure the safety of civilians and address the humanitarian crisis, and economic sanctions should be imposed as recommended by Amnesty International.
Canada has demonstrated in the past that it has the capability to take action in similar situations, such as the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. As members of the Canadian-Armenian community, I implore you to speak up for the voiceless, to stand up for the defenseless, and to vote for justice, for humanity, and for the Armenian people in Artsakh. Canada has recognized the Armenian genocide and every year on April 24th states "Never again." Now is the time to confirm that statement and prevent another genocide by taking action to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Artsakh.
I would like to remind you that Canada has a moral and legal obligation to prevent genocide and to protect the human rights of all people, as outlined in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle.
I urge you to take immediate action to address this critical situation, sanction Azerbaijan and support the Armenian community in Canada in their efforts to bring attention to the ongoing human rights violations in Artsakh.
Artsakh Blockade by Azerbaijan-TRIGGER WARNING-Letter to Members of European Parliament
On Wednesday, 18th of January, a plenary debate will be held in respect of the humanitarian consequences of the blockade in Nagorno-Karabakh (Republic of Artsakh, hereinafter referred to as Artaskh). Now, for you this might be a debate just like any other, but for the Armenian people in Artsakh this debate is the only window of opportunity for salvation. Please, allow me to humbly inform you (further) about the ongoing blockade in Artsakh ahead of the debate on Wednesday.
As of December 12th, 2022, Azerbaijan has blockaded and cut off the entire population of Artaskh. Over 120,000 residents, including 30,000 children, are deprived of food, medicine, and other basic supplies they are in dire need of. Hospitals have indefinitely put surgeries on hold. Schools are closed due to the shortages and children are going hungry.
Furthermore, last year the international community sat by and let Azerbaijan attack and invade Armenia's sovereign lands. This resulted in more than 200 Armenian soldiers being killed with hundreds more injured. Unpunished, Azerbaijan proudly released videos depicting its uniformed soldiers executing Armenian captives and mutilating an Armenian female soldier. This was widely shared across social media including by government officials. Unfortunately, until this day Azerbaijan is occupying 140km2 of internationally recognized Armenian territories.
A crime unpunished is a crime encouraged, and by not holding Azerbaijan accountable the Armenians of Artaskh are at risk of suffering a similar ethnic cleansing that those at the hands of Turkey's predecessor suffered. And I do not use the term "ethnic cleansing" lightly. Multiple non-governmental organisations, including Genocide Watch, have issued a stark warning that Azerbaijan’s blockade is “designed to, in the words of the Genocide Convention, deliberately inflict conditions of life calculated to bring about the end of a national, ethnic, racial or religious group in whole or in part.” All 14 risk factors for atrocity crimes identified by the UN Secretary-General’s Office on Genocide Prevention are now present. (source: https://www.genocidewarning-
The international community must hold Azerbaijan accountable for its continuous aggression against the Armenian people and its violent state-sponsored policy of Armenophobia. I am asking you to not only condemn but demand the oil-rich dictatorship of Azerbaijan stop their acts of aggression and terrorism against the innocent people of Artsakh. I ask you to take concrete steps, including sanctions, to thwart Azerbaijan's ethnic cleansing campaign. Practice has shown that the EU is capable of doing so (e.g. Russian-Ukrainian case).
I am asking you to please find the courage to speak up for the voiceless, to stand up for the defenseless, and to vote for justice, for humanity, for the Armenian people in Artaskh. If we stay neutral in situations of injustice, we choose the side of the oppressor. We must always take sides in times of great moral crisis, as neutrality helps the oppressor and never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Email Reply from EU
Dear Madam/Sir,
Thank you for contacting the President of the European Parliament regarding the blockade of the Lachin Corridor – the road connecting Nagorno‐Karabakh to Armenia.
The Citizens’ Enquiries Unit has been asked to respond.
Please be assured that the European Parliament is following the situation in the region very closely.
In particular, the European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus monitors the situation in the countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, and liaises with their respective Parliaments.
On 15 December, the Chair of the South Caucasus Delegation, Member of European Parliament (MEP) Marina Kaljurand, made the following statement:
‘I am gravely concerned by the actions of the Azerbaijani state authorities and purported environmental protesters in the Lachin Corridor [...], resulting in the blocking of the road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia, which is a vital supply line for the Armenian population of the region.
Moreover, the reported disruption of gas supply to Nagorno-Karabakh via the pipeline passing through Azerbaijani-controlled territory is of utmost concern, adding to the risk of serious humanitarian consequences.
I recall that safe movement through the Lachin Corridor is guaranteed under the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020. I urge the government of Azerbaijan to fulfil its obligations under this statement and call for utmost restraint in terms of both actions and rhetoric.
Once again, I underline the need for a comprehensive peace agreement which needs to provide firm guarantees for the rights and security of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh. I call for the urgent resumption of negotiations at the highest level, with the facilitation of the EU, and de-escalation of the situation.’
Earlier in its June 2022 resolution, Parliament called for the EU and the Member States not to let the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia become intractable. At that time, Parliament already highlighted the importance of ensuring the safe and free movement of civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh as well as the full exchange and release of detainees, addressing the fate of missing persons and facilitating humanitarian demining following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
European Union Diplomatic Service and EU foreign policy
Diplomatic relations between the European Union and non-EU countries are not directed by the European Parliament, but by the European External Action Service (EEAS), led by Josep Borrell Fontelles. You can read the EEAS spokesperson’s statement and follow the latest developments on the webpage of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia.
In foreign policy, the European Union’s ultimate decision-making body is the European Council, comprised of EU countries’ heads of state or government. In September 2022, when addressing the UN General Assembly, European Council President Charles Michel stated that he had ‘personally taken on the role of difficult mediation between the President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia. The fighting must stop. The goal must be to resolve the conflict in order to establish lasting peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus.’
We hope that this information will be of interest to you, and thank you for writing to share your concerns with the President of the European Parliament.
Yours faithfully,
Citizens' Enquiries Unit (AskEP)
Save Children of Artsakh
Dear UNICEF,
The ongoing blockade imposed by Azerbaijan on Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Region) has had a devastating impact on the children of the region, leaving them without access to essential resources such as food, medicine, and electricity, as well as depriving them of their right to education. The situation on the ground is dire, with many children at risk of starvation, disease, and a lack of access to basic services.
The blockade, which began on December 12, has severely hindered the ability of 120,000 people living in Artsakh to access essentials like food, baby formula, and medicine, as well as vital services such as electricity, gas, and internet. As a result of food shortages, 41 kindergartens, 56 pre-school groups, and 20 all-day schools have been closed, leaving 6,828 children unable to attend school and being deprived of adequate care, nutrition, and education.
Humanitarian deliveries by the Red Cross have also been hindered by the recent snowfall in Artsakh, making the roads impassable and snow-removal work impossible. This has further exacerbated the crisis, as the delivery of food and medicine, as well as baby formulas and diapers, are running low in drugstores and supermarkets. Additionally, with the cutting of internet lines and electricity, it is difficult for the people of Artsakh to access information, communicate with the outside world, and access basic services such as heating, lighting, and running water.
The situation is particularly dire for children who are running low on life-supporting medication due to the blockade. A specific example of this is a 9-year-old boy with epilepsy in Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, whose mother is desperately seeking help as medication supplies are running low. This highlights the critical need for access to essential resources such as medicine for the children of Artsakh.
The shortage of food in shops has led to widespread starvation in the region, with the government of Artsakh implementing emergency measures to distribute food and supplies to those in need. However, these measures are not enough to meet the needs of the entire population of 120,000, and many children are still suffering from malnutrition and lack of access to essential resources. The constant electricity cut offs also make it difficult for hospitals and clinics to function, further exacerbating the health crisis for children and their families.
Urgent action is needed to address this humanitarian crisis. The blockade imposed by Azerbaijan is putting the lives and well-being of thousands of children at risk, and violating their
right to education. It is imperative that the international community takes immediate action to support the children of Artsakh during this critical time, including:
- Raising awareness about this crisis and advocating for the rights of the children of Artsakh to be protected, including the right to education and access to essential resources such as food, medicine, baby formulas, and diapers.
- - Providing assistance to organizations working on the ground in Artsakh to support the children and families affected by this crisis.
- - Taking any other necessary action to support the children of Artsakh during this critical time, including diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.
Letter to President Biden: End Azerbaijan's Illegal Blockage of Artsakh
Dear President Biden,
As a tax-paying American, I call on you to take immediate action to end the cruel and illegal Azerbaijani blockade of landlocked Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) and to open and secure the sole road in and out of the area through the Lachin Corridor.
In a blatant act of attempted ethnic cleansing in furtherance of its long-standing genocidal intent, Azerbaijan has cut 120,000 Armenians off from desperately needed food, medicine, and other urgently needed supplies since December 12, 2022, willfully creating a humanitarian crisis against innocent Armenian civilians who simply want a life of peace, freedom and security on their ancestral lands.
As the US President who had the moral fortitude to recognize the Armenian Genocide of 1915, I urge you to step up once more and take definitive action to prevent the potential genocide of 120,000 Armenians by:
1. Condemning Azerbaijan’s genocidal campaign against the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh and demanding the immediate re-opening of the Lachin Corridor;
2. Delivering $100 million in USAID humanitarian assistance to Nagorno Karabakh through the Lachin Corridor to ensure the survival of the 120,000 civilians who have been blockaded since December 12, 2022;
3. Sending a high level fact-finding delegation to the Lachin Corridor to accurately document and report on the crisis;
4. Immediately halting all U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan in light of the illegal humanitarian blockade imposed on the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, consistent with Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act;
5. Sanctioning members of the Aliyev regime under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act for ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated by the Aliyev regime;
6. Introducing a UN Security Council resolution to establish a United Nations Mission in Nagorno Karabakh (UNMINK) consisting of 5,000 military personnel representing at least two Permanent Member States of the UN Security Council.
Failure to immediately respond to this humanitarian crisis will result in Nagorno Karabakh joining the ranks of Halabja, Rwanda, and Srebrenica - events in world history that define modern evil and stain our collective conscience.
Mr. President, your leadership and resolute action are needed now to prevent another genocide against the Armenian Nation!
End Artsakh Blockage
Short summary of the letter:
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Current situation in Artsakh with stats showing how many ppl are currently there, including kids and elderly ppl
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Demands of azerbaijani “ecologists” have nothing to do with the ecological situation in Artsakh but rather aim at destabilizing the situation in Artsakh and attempting to resolve the dispute over these lands by force by putting lives of Artsakhi Armenians at risk (they demand that territories that are currently under the mandate of the Russian peacekeeping contingent be controlled by Azerbaijani state, specifically by the Azerbaijani Ministry of foreign affairs, their state Border Service and State Customs Committee; they also want Ruben Vardanyan, current State Minister of Artsakh, to leave Karabakh)
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Asking to intervene and to draw attention on the subject, to take the appropriate measures to hold Azerbaijan accountable.
Letter
On December 12, 2022, a group of Azerbaijanis dressed in civilian clothes and posing as alleged environmental activists blocked the only road (Goris-Stepanakert highway which passes through the Berdzor (Lachin) corridor) that’s connecting Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh, hereinafter Artsakh) to Armenia, and to the world, in violation of the trilateral ceasefire statement signed on November 9, 2020 by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia.
As a result of that, 120.000 people have been left under a complete blockade. 1100 people, including elderly people, women, and 270 children have been stuck on the road in the Stepanakert-Sushi and Lisagor-Sushi sectors of the Goris-Stepanakert highway. Numerous families have been torn apart.
Additionally, several communities of the Shushi region have been completely cut off from Artsakh and Armenia, including the communities of Lisagor, Mets Shen, Hin Shen and Eghtsahogh.
The movement of people has been stopped, medical supplies, food and other vital goods can no longer be delivered to the civilian population in the area.
Moreover, there are patients in Artsakh that are in critical condition and need urgent treatment and hospitalization in the specialized medical centers of Armenia and that treatment has become impossible under the false ecological pretenses.
Among “azerbaijani ecologists'' are high rank azerbaijani officials like Telman Gasimov, Ulvi Gedir and Fuad Abbasov that have publicly displayed armenophobic rhetoric both on the ground and on their social media pages, posting photos of people trampling flags of Armenia and Artsak and rejoicing at the lives lost on the Armenian side. Participants of this “protest” were also seen showing a gray wolves’ sign (ultranationalist terrorist organization that’s banned in the EU and several CIS countries) and trampling flags of Armenia and Artsakh.
Moreover, an open letter authored by these ‘activists’ was signed by the so-called GONGOs (Government-organized non-governmental organizations) that are widespread in Azerbaijan. Activities of such organizations have always caused serious concerns in the US and the EU states since actual NGOs that aren’t affiliated with the government simply can’t function in Azerbaijan.
Armenian journalists are currently being denied access to the area so they can’t cover what is going on there. That goes in violation of rights of nations to free access to the information distributed through mass media that have been outlined in numerous resolutions of the General Assembly as well as various international treaties like the International Convention Concerning the Use of Broadcasting in the Cause of Peace.
It is also important to note that the Republic of Armenia has filed in the Registry of the International Court of Justice a request for the indication of provisional measures pursuant to Article 41 of the Statute of the Court and Article 73 of the Rules of Court asking to restore “uninterrupted free movement of all persons, vehicles, and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.”
In view of the above, it is clear that the ongoing blockade in Artsakh does not serve any environmental purpose. It is a fabricated protest initiated by the Azerbaijani government to force Armenians of Artsakh and Armenia to resolve the issue by force.
I’m asking you to, please, intervene and take appropriate measures to hold Azerbaijan accountable for creating a blockade in Artsakh and attempting to resolve the dispute over these lands by force by putting the lives of Artsakhi Armenians at risk yet again. The Road of Life that connects Artsakh to Armenia and the rest of the world needs to be opened.
Referance/Sources:
The Humanitarian Consequences of Blocking the Only Road Connecting Artsakh with Armenia and the World (artsakhombuds.am)
https://artsakhombuds.am/en/document/976
The Republic of Armenia requests the Court to indicate provisional measures (icj-cij.org)
https://www.icj-cij.org/public/files/case-related/180/180-20221229-PRE_01-00-EN.pdf
CBN News (interview): 'This Is Genocide': Doctor Stuck in Nagorno-Karabakh Sounds Alarm as Meds, Formula, Food Disappear
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_jHiiGX2lo
FRANCE 24 English: Kremlin says it is concerned about Karabakh road blockade, will continue talks •
Who are the Azerbaijani “environmental activist leaders” who blocked the Artsakh-Armenia road? The findings of the Center for Law and Justice "Tatoyan" Foundation - Tatoyan Foundation
Azerbaijan Sends "Eco-Activists” to Block Nagorno-Karabakh Lifeline (hetq.am)
https://hetq.am/en/article/151161
Civilnet: Azerbaijan’s genocidal blockade of Artsakh
Civilnet: Day 12: The siege of Artsakh leaves children without basic medication
If the protection of Ukrainian people is important then why aren't the Artsakh Armenians important?
Armenian journalists denied access to cover Lachin corridor blockade
ANCA: Blockade in Artsakh with State Minister Ruben Vardanyan
Azerbaijan: Debating GONGO vs. NGO | Eurasianet
https://eurasianet.org/azerbaijan-debating-gongo-vs-ngo
Azerbaijan: Call for EU Sanctions Raises Activist-Hopes | Eurasianet
https://eurasianet.org/azerbaijan-call-for-eu-sanctions-raises-activist-hopes
Konflikt um Berg-Karabach: Wie Diktator Alijew Russlands Schwäche... | DiePresse.com
Blokkerer veien inn og ut | Klassekampen
https://klassekampen.no/utgave/2022-12-28/blokkerer-veien-inn-og-ut1
Nagorno-Karabakh: Christmas Under Blockade
Refuser la mort silencieuse de l’Arménie
Azerbaijan & Turkey’s Ominous Assault against Armenians
International Convention concerning the Use of Broadcasting in the Cause of Peace (Geneva, 1936)
https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/211972?ln=en
UN General Assembly resolution 59, Calling of an International Conference on Freedom of Information, A/RES/59 (14 December 1946), available from
https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/RESOLUTION/GEN/NR0/033/10/PDF/NR003310.pdf?OpenElement
UN General Assembly resolution 217 A, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), A/RES/217 A (10 December 1948) available from
https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/RESOLUTION/GEN/NR0/043/88/PDF/NR004388.pdf?OpenElement
UN General Assembly resolution 2200A (XXI), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, A/RES/2200A (XXI) (16 December 1966) available from
https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/RESOLUTION/GEN/NR0/005/03/IMG/NR000503.pdf?OpenElement
SEND AN EMAIL TO HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS
Dear [Human Rights Watch] [the European Women’s Lobby] [Women for Women International], [Center for Reproductive Rights]:
I am writing to seek your help in a current humanitarian crisis. This crisis is deeply troubling and one I believe is aligned with the values and mission statement of your organization because it directly impacts the basic human rights of women.
On September 13, 2022, Azerbaijan launched an unprovoked and coordinated military invasion against the sovereign territory of Armenia. Mortars and drones were directed to cause damage against Armenian military and civilian infrastructure in cities located on Armenia’s eastern border with Azerbaijan.
During this invasion it became clear that at least five women were targeted and brutally murdered as part of Azerbaijan’s attack. Without identifying any names out of respect for the families’ privacy, one of the Armenian women was 36 years-old, who was raped, tortured, and killed, her body mutilated by Azerbaijani soldiers. The Azeris filmed their barbaric acts, and posted the video on social media. These acts were so evil that even The Azeri Times reported: “There is a video circulated in Telegram where the body of a woman Armenian soldier is mutilated, fingers cut, stone placed in her eye. And Azerbaijani soldier is heard bragging about it. This is barbarism beyond words. AzMOD must investigate this and punish perpetrators.” (Source: The Azeri Times @AzeriTimes, 9/16/2022, 4:27 a.m.)
There are also reports of one woman being skinned alive by Azeri soldiers, while another group of nurses who were traveling to the Vardenis region of Armenia to provide aid to wounded soldiers were captured and raped.
The above heinous acts constitute war crimes and a violation of international law, including, but not limited to, the Geneva Conventions and the Convention Against Torture.
In 2022, Azerbaijan continues to commit atrocious war crimes, target and kill civilians, and rape and mutilate women, without impunity.
As an organization which prides itself on the protection of women’s human rights, I implore you to speak up and report on what has happened and continues to happen to the women in Armenia. These accounts have been reported by various international news sources and condemned, including by various U.S. representatives, such as U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Speier who commented: “From the horrific mutilation of Armenian servicemembers’ bodies to beheadings and the deliberate targeting of medical facilities and religious sites, Azerbaijan has repeatedly shown utter contempt for basic human dignity and international law.”
Although individuals have spoken against the horrific acts of violence against Armenian women by Azerbaijani soldiers, the world remains silent in taking a strong stand against the grave atrocities and holding Azerbaijan accountable for committing war crimes.
On October 1, 2022, Armenian-Americans will gather at 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California and peacefully protest against these injustices and hold a candlelight vigil for the martyred women brutally murdered, raped, mutilated, dismembered, and tortured by Azerbaijani soldiers. The public is invited to join the protestors.
I respectfully request that you stand in solidarity with women in parts of the world whose voices were silenced too soon and help lend our voices to speak up against injustice, oppression, and grotesque violence.
This is especially important now, in the wake of events in Iran. It seems this sort of violence is becoming too common place, and must be met with great resistance.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical human rights issue.
CANCEL FORMUL 1 IN AZERBAIJAN
Dear F1 organizers, sponsors, members, and drivers,
When Russia invaded Ukraine, you rightfully terminated your contract with the Russian Grand Prix and cancelled the race scheduled for September 25, 2023 in Sochi. F1’s official statement read in part: “Formula 1 can confirm it has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix promoter meaning Russia will not have a race in the future.”
These same values should be upheld as a result of Azerbaijan’s invasion of Armenia by cancelling the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on April 30, 2023.
On September 13, 2022, the country of Azerbaijan launched an unprovoked and coordinated military invasion against the sovereign territory of Armenia. Heavy artillery and large caliber weapons were used, along with attack and suicide drones, targeted at civilian infrastructure, resulting in severe damage and loss of life. The U.S. and France have officially condemned Azerbaijan and called the invasion an “illegal” attack on Armenia’s sovereignty and democracy.
During this invasion, the Azerbaijani forces targeted women, of which there are five (5) confirmed instances of torture, mutilation, rape, decapitation, dismemberment, murder, and other inhumane acts. (Please see https://www.whyarewestillhere.com/). One of the Armenian women, a 36-year-old mother of three, was raped, tortured, and killed, her body mutilated by Azerbaijani soldiers. These soldiers filmed their acts and posted the video on social media. These acts were so evil that even The Azeri Times reported: “There is a video circulated in Telegram where the body of a woman Armenian soldier is mutilated, fingers cut, stone placed in her eye. And Azerbaijani soldier is heard bragging about it. This is barbarism beyond words. AzMOD must investigate this and punish perpetrators.” (Source: The Azeri Times @AzeriTimes, 9/16/2022, 4:27 a.m.)
Other reports of barbaric war crimes include skinning alive a female solder and prisoners of war, the rape and killing of a nurse traveling to the front lines to provide medical assistance to soldiers, and executing prisoners of war. Some of the footage, which depicts the execution of prisoners of war and its authenticity confirmed by Armenia’s Ministry of Defense, is included in the video linked here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5M1UVleIc0&t=1s
These heinous acts constitute war crimes and a gross violation of countless international laws, including, but not limited to, the Geneva Conventions and the Convention Against Torture.
These accounts have been reported by various domestic and international news sources, and a number of countries and leaders have officially condemned the state sponsored, systematic war crimes committed by Azerbaijan’s military. For example, U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Speier stated: “From the horrific mutilation of Armenian servicemembers’ bodies to beheadings and the deliberate targeting of medical facilities and religious sites, Azerbaijan has repeatedly shown utter contempt for basic human dignity and international law.”
The Lemkin Institute and Genocide Watch have warned that Azerbaijan’s actions constitute genocidal rhetoric and attacks against Armenia and the Armenian people. Please see “Lemkin Institute: Azerbaijan is committing slow genocide against Armenians with Turkish support” published on September 21, 2022. (https://www.lemkininstitute.com/single-post/lemkin-institute-azerbaijan-is-committing-slow-genocide-against-armenians-with-turkish-support)
In 2022, Azerbaijan continues to commit atrocious war crimes, target and kill civilians, and rape and mutilate women, without impunity.
Please do not reward this genocidal and terrorist state by hosting your race there, which will only go towards boosting their military budget, and provide them with further means to kill innocent people. Indeed, the Grand Prix in Azerbaijan has brought in over $500 million to Azerbaijan’s economy.
You recently stood against abuse on behalf of the entire F1 community and boldly claimed that you are “all about respect.”
You also stated:
“Abuse of any kind is unacceptable.”
“If you cannot be respectful, then don’t be part of our sport.”
“We cannot let those who think they can abuse others get away with it.”
“We have a duty to call this out and say ‘no more’.”
“We are acting as a community to block those who abuse others online. We won’t allow abuse at our races.”
“We are united and ask you to join us in driving this out of all sport and society.”
Will you honor these statements?
Does circulating the video of a tortured, mutilated, and dismembered Armenian woman by the soldiers who committed these evil acts on social media qualify as online abuse? Does the rape and killing of Armenian women qualify as abuse? Does skinning Armenians alive qualify as abuse? Does executing prisoners of war point blank qualify as abuse?
We request that you uphold your long-standing values and cancel your Grand Prix in Azerbaijan on April 30, 2023.
Continuing with the Grand Prix in Azerbaijan in the face of its invasion of Armenia and atrocious war crimes committed with the support of the Azerbaijan leadership, which have thoroughly been documented, is not only inhumane, but it is also the epitome of hypocrisy. Please see https://azeriwarcrimes.org/
The world is watching. Please do the right thing.
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