(OTTAWA – September 19, 2024) Today, the Armenian National Committee of Canada issued the following statement in commemoration of the first-year anniversary of Azerbaijan’s genocidal aggression against the Republic of Artsakh.
“September 19, 2024, marks the solemn one-year anniversary of Azerbaijan’s brutal and genocidal attack against the Republic of Artsakh, leading to the forcible displacement of over 120,000 innocent indigenous Armenians from their ancestral homeland. This tragic event is a stark reminder of the horrors of ethnic cleansing that the Armenian people have endured throughout history, and we must never forget the lives and livelihoods shattered in the process. The Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) stands in solidarity with the people of Artsakh as we commemorate this day of loss and suffering.
“The issue of Artsakh cannot be resolved until a comprehensive political solution is reached that respects the fundamental human rights of the people of Artsakh, particularly their right to self-determination and their right to return to their ancestral homeland. The future of Artsakh must be one that secures the safety and dignity of its indigenous Armenian population, free from aggression and oppression.
“We also call for the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian political prisoners who are being illegally held in Azerbaijan. The inhumane treatment of these individuals, many of whom were captured during the 2023 aggression, is a blatant violation of international law and must end without delay. Moreover, the destruction of Armenian cultural heritage in Artsakh, a deliberate act aimed at erasing the Armenian presence in the region, must be halted. The international community has a responsibility to safeguard the cultural and historical sites that bear testimony to Armenia’s rich history in the region.
“The ANCC remains committed to working with our partner organizations, the Government of Canada, and all parliamentary parties to advocate for justice and peace for the people of Artsakh. Until their fundamental human rights are fully realized, we will not cease our efforts to ensure that the indigenous Armenian population of Artsakh can return to their homeland and live in safety and peace. We call upon the global community to take meaningful action to address this humanitarian crisis and stand up against Azerbaijan’s continued aggression.
“Let us honor the memory of those lost, reaffirm our commitment to justice, and continue to advocate for peace and dignity for the people of Artsakh.”
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The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Armenian-Canadian grassroots human rights organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances the concerns of the Armenian-Canadian community on a broad range of issues and works to eliminate abuses of human rights throughout Canada and the world.
Contact: Sevag Belian (613) 235-2622 | [email protected]
