Appeal to the Armenian Australian Community: We must stand up for Artsakh

Dear Compatriots,

The Armenian nation is once again facing the threat of Genocide, this time in Artsakh.

The illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor and Artsakh by Azerbaijan, now in place for more than eight months, have created a humanitarian catastrophe. We are witnessing deaths due to starvation, lack of fuel and access to medicine.

In his alarming report "Genocide against Armenians in 2023", former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and one of the world's leading international legal experts Luis Moreno Ocampo, warned about the prospect of genocide by starvation in Artsakh, pursuant to the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.

Leading Genocide scholars from around the world have issued a similar warning in an open letter addressed to the UN Secretary General.

Azerbaijan’s intentions are clear — to succumb the people of Artsakh to integrate with Azerbaijan with the threat of starvation and genocide. In reality, Azerbaijan’s ongoing aggression clearly demonstrates that the only safe alternative for the people of Artsakh is self determination, a path our compatriots have chosen and remain committed to with great bravery and unimaginable sacrifice.

In light of this situation, Armenians worldwide and in Australia must, once again, stand up for our compatriots in Artsakh, in defense of their safety and their inalienable right to self determination.

In the coming days and weeks several initiatives will be organised across Australia to raise awareness and demand Australian and international action. We call on the Armenian Australian community to support these events and come together with one voice to say NO to a second Armenian Genocide in Artsakh and to reaffirm our support for our compatriots in Artsakh, their human rights, and the cause for self determination.

ARF Australia

ARS Australia

Homenetmen Australia

Hamazkaine Australia

AYF Australia

AYF Juniors Australia

Armenia Media Inc

Armenian National Committee of Australia