Renowned Genocide Scholars Urge UN Action on Potential Genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh

In a compelling and urgent plea, distinguished genocide scholars from around the world have issued an open letter to top United Nations officials and member states, urging immediate action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis and potential genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as the Republic of Artsakh.

The open letter, signed by prominent figures in the field of genocide studies, including Melanie O'Brien, Associate Professor of International Law at the University of Western Australia, and Henry C. Theriault, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Worcester State University, calls for swift international intervention to prevent a possible genocide targeting the ethnic Armenian population of Artsakh.

The letter highlights the dire circumstances in the region, specifically focusing on the unlawful blockade of the Lachin Corridor, which serves as a vital link connecting Artsakh to Armenia. The blockade, initiated by Azerbaijani authorities in December 2022, has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving the 120,000 residents of Artsakh without essential supplies such as food, medicine, and other critical goods.

According to the letter, the situation has reached a critical juncture, with undeniable warning signs of an impending humanitarian catastrophe. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has released a statement acknowledging the shortage of life-saving medication, hygiene products, and even basic food items like fruits, vegetables, and bread. The Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect has also issued a grave alert, underscoring the persistent risk of mass atrocity crimes in the region.

The scholars emphasize the urgent need for the United Nations to activate its early warning mechanism and promptly address the threat of genocide in Artsakh. They call for a united international effort to bring the issue before the UN Security Council, urging the council to take immediate action to lift the blockade on the Lachin Corridor and support the Provisional Measures order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Furthermore, the scholars request the establishment and dispatch of a fact-finding mission to Artsakh, tasked with conducting a comprehensive analysis of the situation on the ground and engaging with local communities and organizations.

The letter underscores the collective responsibility of the international community to prevent genocide, urging the United Nations to prioritize decisive action to safeguard innocent lives in Artsakh.

The experts conclude the letter by stating, "Time is of the essence. We urge you to act swiftly and decisively, guided by the principles of the United Nations and the mandate to protect humanity from the scourge of genocide."