Freedom House President Strongly Condemns Threats to Armenia's Sovereign Territory

In response to the escalating military tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, along with the deteriorating conditions in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Freedom House President Michael J. Abramowitz issued a stern statement, condemning any plans to attack the sovereign territory of Armenia. The international human rights organization is deeply concerned about the situation and calls for immediate action to prevent further border violations.

Abramowitz's statement highlighted the alarming reports of the Azerbaijani military massing equipment along the Armenian border. This development has raised concerns about the potential for a military incursion into Armenia, which Freedom House vehemently opposes. The organization implores mediating parties to actively work towards preventing any further breach of Armenia's borders.

Furthermore, Freedom House expressed serious concern over Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin corridor, a move that threatens the Armenian population in the region and exacerbates the already dire humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. The organization called upon the Azerbaijani government to engage genuinely in peace talks and to cease weaponizing the security of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Freedom House demanded the immediate and unconditional opening of the blockade to ensure unimpeded two-way movement of people, vehicles, and cargo along the Lachin corridor.

In a significant step, Freedom House also urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to appoint a special rapporteur to assess the human rights situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. This demonstrates the organization's commitment to ensuring the protection of human rights and the well-being of the region's residents.

Armenia, which is rated as "Partly Free" in Freedom in the World 2023 and "Free" in Freedom on the Net 2022, has faced increasing threats and challenges due to the ongoing tensions in the South Caucasus region. Azerbaijan, on the other hand, is rated as "Not Free" in both Freedom in the World 2023 and Freedom on the Net 2022.

Freedom House's statement underscores the urgent need for international attention and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, promote peace, and protect the rights and security of all parties involved in this deeply sensitive and volatile situation.