Statement by the OPENING Civil Initiative regarding K. Hovhannisyan, the First Victim of Starvation by Azerbaijan
In the wake of the tragic loss of K. Hovhannisyan, the first victim of starvation at the hands of Azerbaijan, the OPENING Civil Initiative issues the following statement:
The enduring blockade of Artsakh, coupled with a catastrophic shortage of food, continues to inflict immeasurable harm upon the lives of our people. The peril faced by 120,000 residents of Artsakh is an undeniable and harsh reality, with the loss of life due to hunger bearing tragic testimony to this dire situation.
Azerbaijan’s calculated siege on Artsakh, epitomized by the closure of the vital Berdzor/Lachin corridor, stands as an unequivocal assault on the shared values that bind humanity. In the face of this relentless aggression, the people of Artsakh remain steadfast, defending the principles of universal rights and self-determination, embodying the indomitable strength of the human spirit.
Read also
The Armenian people of Artsakh are not mere survivors; they are architects of their own destiny, rightfully demanding international recognition and respect for their inherent rights. The United Nations must lend an ear and extend recognition to their voices, affirming their inalienable right to a life free from coercion and fear.
On August 16, 2023, an extraordinary session convened at the UN Security Council in response to the Armenian side’s appeal. We hold high expectations that the Security Council’s member states will unequivocally condemn Azerbaijan’s genocidal policy, hold them accountable, and promptly open the Berdzor/Lachin corridor in compliance with the UN International Justice Resolution of February. This imperative action is vital to prevent complicity in genocide.
We raise our voice not only against the blockade itself but also against the silence that perpetuates the suffering inflicted by Azerbaijan upon our people. We demand justice, respect, and acknowledgment of our people’s fundamental right to live unburdened by terrorism, hunger, and the oppression of free will.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of K. Hovhannisyan, a tragic victim of chronic malnutrition. Regrettably, this case poignantly underscores that the consequences of this humanitarian disaster have transcended mere statistics, imprinting upon us the urgency of our mission.
OPENING Civil Initiative
