On the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Noubar Afeyan, co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, calls for global awareness and action to prevent another humanitarian disaster in Nagorno Karabakh and Armenian border regions amidst escalating tensions.
In a poignant declaration aligning with the commemoration of the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Noubar Afeyan, co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, has called upon the global community to avert another potential humanitarian disaster involving Armenians in the conflict-ridden areas of Nagorno Karabakh and the border regions of Armenia.
This plea comes amid escalating tensions in the South Caucasus, particularly between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno Karabakh, an ethnic majority Armenian area also known as Artsakh. Despite a ceasefire agreement in 1994 which left Nagorno Karabakh in Armenian hands, intermittent clashes have persisted, culminating in a six-week war in 2020 that saw significant casualties on both sides and ended with a peace deal brokered by Russia. However, the peace remains fragile, and recent developments suggest a deteriorating situation.
Afeyan highlighted the severe consequences of these renewed confrontations, noting that Azerbaijan has expelled approximately 120,000 Armenians from Artsakh — effectively the entire population of the region. He sharply criticized the Azerbaijani detention of Armenian hostages, including that of his colleague Ruben Vardanyan, a noted businessman and philanthropist.
Further complexity arises as Azerbaijan insists on the establishment of a land corridor through Armenian territory linking Azerbaijan proper with its exclave Nakhchivan, which borders Turkey. Armenia views this demand as a breach of its sovereignty and an apparent precursor to further military actions, raising alarms over the potential for a broader conflict.
Afeyan’s public outcry resonates with the historical memory of the Armenian Genocide of 1915, in which 1.5 million Armenians were systematically exterminated by the Ottoman Turks. The recurrence of violence against Armenians today evokes fears of history repeating itself, despite the distinct political dynamics that distinguish the present from the past.
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, established by Afeyan and others in gratitude to the saviors of Armenian Genocide survivors, advocates for global awareness and intervention to prevent atrocities. The organization notably awards the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, which annually honors individuals who put themselves at risk to aid others. This mission underscores a firm commitment to drawing on historical tragedy to inspire contemporary action.
The reminders by Afeyan serve not just to evoke sympathy but insist on tangible global actions to prevent the resurgence of ethnic violence reminiscent of a dark history. Recognizing these patterns, understanding their roots, and addressing them promptly are imperative to avoid the horrors of the past and establish a precedent of international responsibility and intervention in ethnic and territorial conflicts. As the situation remains tense and the world watches, the resolution to this crisis will not only impact the immediate area but also set the tone for handling similar conflicts globally.
