CFTJ Addresses World Leaders at ICC Assembly in The Hague, Demands Justice for Armenian Victims

The Center for Truth and Justice (CFTJ), a U.S.-based human rights organization, made a powerful call for justice today at the 23rd Session of the Assembly of State Parties to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The event, held at the World Forum in The Hague, gathers state representatives, civil society organizations, and global leaders from December 2-6, 2024. CFTJ’s address marks a historic milestone for Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in the ongoing fight for accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Out of hundreds of applicants, CFTJ was one of only 10 civil society organizations granted the opportunity to deliver a four-minute speech during the assembly's high-profile debates. Representing CFTJ was Dr. Sarah Babaian, a distinguished legal scholar and expert in international criminal law, who addressed the urgent need for global action against Azerbaijan's war crimes.

Dr. Babaian’s speech painted a harrowing picture of atrocities committed against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. She described acts of torture, starvation, and inhumane treatment that have led to unimaginable suffering.

“Soldiers and civilians were forced to crawl like animals, beaten with sharp rods, and starved to death in open-air cages. Women endured unspeakable mistreatment, and families faced unimaginable brutality. These are not scenes from a horror movie but the grim reality faced by Armenians,” Dr. Babaian stated.

She highlighted systematic efforts by Azerbaijan’s government under President Ilham Aliyev to persecute Armenians, emphasizing parallels to other documented cases of crimes against humanity. Her remarks included chilling evidence of mutilations, executions, and the forced displacement of over 100,000 Armenians.

Dr. Babaian’s address also emphasized Azerbaijan’s open defiance of international court rulings, including judgments by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). She called on ICC member states to uphold their obligations under the Rome Statute by referring the situation to the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor.

“It is incumbent on you, distinguished delegates, to act now. Only through collective action can we deter further atrocities and ensure accountability,” she urged.

CFTJ's presentation shows the urgency of addressing Azerbaijan's actions as part of a broader commitment to justice. Drawing comparisons to ICC interventions in other regions, such as Myanmar, Dr. Babaian argued for immediate preliminary investigations into the situation in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

The speech also warned of potential ripple effects if the international community remains silent. Dr. Babaian highlighted the risk of escalating conflict, which could destabilize Europe’s eastern borders and result in a new refugee crisis.

“Unlike other ongoing conflicts, this one is distinctly foreseeable. The time to act is now,” she concluded, addressing the assembled state parties.

CFTJ’s participation at the ICC Assembly shows its critical role in documenting atrocity crimes and advocating for justice. For Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, this moment represents a significant step toward bringing global attention to their plight.

The call to action now rests with world leaders, who must choose whether to honor their commitments under international law or risk enabling further atrocities. CFTJ’s message is clear: justice delayed is justice denied, and the world cannot afford to look away.