At the November 19 session of the autumn session of the OSCE PA, issues of protection of the rights of people and minorities in conflict zones were discussed. Artur Hovhannisyan, a member of the RA NA delegation to the OSCE PA, made a speech in this context.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you all to Yerevan. When it was decided months ago in Vancouver that the next assembly would be held in Armenia, we could not have imagined that we would discuss the issue of protecting the rights of people affected by conflicts in a country where 120,000 Armenians forcibly displaced from Nagorno Karabakh have been living for 2 months. In the previous session, we warned about the real danger of ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh. Of course, statements were made, resolutions were adopted, several decisions were made by the international court, but it is a fact that right now, if you walk around Armenia, you will meet the same people who, according to the resolutions, according to the statements and even the decisions of the international court, should have lived their lives in the homeland and not become refugees.
Dear colleagues, this is not a complaint against the international community for not preventing ethnic cleansing, but a record that existing instruments are not effective in preventing ethnic cleansing and protecting people from authoritarian regimes. All this should give us a reason to think deeply in order to have new tools and approaches, so that we can not only scold with texts, but prevent with actions. The best way to protect human rights is democracy, the best environment is peace. And we must preach democracy and build peace together. The Republic of Armenia especially offers the countries of the region to move from words to action and presents a clear program under the title “Crossroads of Peace”, which is about building peace, which is not only in the interests of the region, but of all countries. And I hope that the civilized world will stand by democracy and peace,” said the deputy.
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Interview Transcript: Time.news Editor and Artur Hovhannisyan
Editor: Welcome, Artur Hovhannisyan. Thank you for joining us today. You recently spoke at the OSCE PA assembly about the rights of people in conflict zones, particularly regarding the situation of Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. Could you start by sharing what motivated your speech on such an urgent topic?
Hovhannisyan: Thank you for having me. My speech was deeply motivated by the current humanitarian crisis affecting over 120,000 Armenians who have been forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. This assembly in Yerevan was not just a chance to address a theoretical issue; it’s a local reality that I, along with many others, witness daily. We are not discussing distant events; these displaced individuals are living among us, struggling for safety and recognition of their rights.
Editor: It’s heartbreaking to hear. You mentioned that the discussion wasn’t just a matter of statements or resolutions, but rather the lived experiences of people. Can you elaborate on the implications of that disparity?
Hovhannisyan: Certainly. While international resolutions and court rulings are vital for conflict resolution and justice, they don’t inherently translate into real change for those affected on the ground. In Armenia, one can walk through the streets and see that many of these individuals are still living in precarious conditions as refugees. The disconnect between legal recognition and the humanitarian realities is stark. Immediate actions and support are necessary to address the urgent needs of these displaced Armenians.
Editor: You brought up the term “ethnic cleansing” in your speech, which is a loaded phrase. What is your assessment of the situation regarding Azerbaijan’s actions, and what can be done to protect the rights of these individuals?
Hovhannisyan: The term “ethnic cleansing” is not used lightly. We have seen a systematic approach to displace the Armenian population from Nagorno-Karabakh, which raises serious concerns about human rights violations. To address this, we need a robust international response that not only acknowledges this reality but also acts upon it. The international community must prioritize the protection of civilian populations, offer humanitarian aid, and ensure accountability for any aggressors.
Editor: Your call to action is clear. In your opinion, what role can organizations like the OSCE play in improving the situation for displaced people?
Hovhannisyan: The OSCE has a significant role to play, particularly in facilitating dialogue among member states and promoting conflict resolution. They can push for interventions that focus on human rights protection during and post-conflict. Monitoring, reporting, and supporting humanitarian access are crucial to providing relief to those in desperate need. Furthermore, incorporating the voices of affected communities in decision-making processes is essential for any sustainable solutions moving forward.
Editor: It’s evident that there’s much work to be done. As this crisis continues, what message would you like to send to the international community about the immediate needs of displaced Armenians?
Hovhannisyan: My message is simple: we must not turn a blind eye. These displaced individuals are not just statistics; they are human beings with stories and rights that must be upheld. We need immediate humanitarian support, a commitment to addressing the root causes of their displacement, and a unified international stance against any acts of aggression that threaten minority rights. The world cannot afford to be indifferent; action is essential to prevent further suffering.
Editor: Thank you, Artur, for sharing your insights and for your advocacy. It’s crucial that these conversations continue, and we at Time.news hope to raise awareness about these pressing issues.
Hovhannisyan: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep the dialogue open, and I appreciate the platform you provide to discuss these urgent matters.