Citizens Protest in Front of UN Office
Today, January 17, a protest took place in front of the UN office in Yerevan, demanding the release of Armenian captives held in Baku. The protesters also marched to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.
The participants carried banners with slogans such as “UN, don’t stay silent,” “Justice now,” and “Peace and rights for all.” They demanded that the UN take more concrete steps to protect human rights and prevent humanitarian crises.
The protest was organized with the support of several civil society organizations from Artsakh. Artsakh’s Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan stated that such protests often lead to increased awareness about the issue.
All these protests lead many to skepticism, doubting that they can bring any tangible results. However, I want to emphasize that continuing the fight is far better than remaining inactive. Drawing the attention of the Armenian authorities, international organizations, and the UN to this vital, fundamentally humanitarian issue, while generating international pressure, is crucial to achieving the release of our compatriots. Ruben Vardanyan’s message from a Baku prison once again confirmed and revealed the entire truth that the human rights community has been voicing. It highlighted that this process cannot, in any way, be considered a legal proceeding. It underscored the lack of protection for various human rights throughout the process, including reports of people being tortured in Baku prisons.
He emphasized that the international community will take no action unless clear demands are formulated by Armenia and the Diaspora and presented to them.
The protest participants delivered a letter to the UN office in Armenia, calling for the condemnation of Azerbaijan’s crimes against humanity and urging pressure to secure the release of captives held in Baku. They also demanded the protection of the displaced population’s right to a safe and dignified return.