On March 20, Artak Beglaryan, Chairman of the Artsakh Union and former State Minister and Ombudsman of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), delivered a speech at a symposium held at the Danish Parliament, focusing on the genocide committed against the people of Artsakh by Azerbaijan and the international community’s role in responding to these atrocities.
The symposium was hosted by Member of the Danish Parliament Sjúrður Skaale and organized by the Danish international NGO Mission10forty, under the leadership of Dr. Kim Hartzner. The event gathered prominent speakers, including Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former Prime Minister of Denmark and Secretary General of NATO; François Zimeray, former French Ambassador to Denmark; Karsten Hønge, Deputy Speaker of the Danish Parliament; as well as respected scholars and humanitarian leaders such as Matthias Bjørnlund, Vahagn Avedian and Raffi Doudaklian.
In his emotional and urgent remarks, Beglaryan detailed the crimes committed by the Aliyev regime of Azerbaijan, including genocide, forced displacement and the systematic erasure of Armenian cultural heritage. He also presented seven concrete actions that the international community must undertake to protect the Armenian people and uphold justice:
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1. Release of Hostages: We expect your support in securing the release of Armenian hostages from Azerbaijani prisons—at least 23 have been officially confirmed, including political leaders. They are being persecuted and tortured not for committing any crime, but for being Armenian, defending our right to self-determination and representing their people.
2. Protection of Cultural and Christian Heritage: Our cultural and religious heritage, along with our homes, must be protected—this is a responsibility of the international community. Despite rulings from international courts, Azerbaijan continues to destroy or appropriate Armenian churches, graves and properties.
3. Humanitarian and Identity Support for Displaced Armenians: Supporting displaced Armenians from Artsakh now living in Armenia is essential—not only to address basic humanitarian needs but to preserve our identity and collective rights. Without this support, we risk losing both hope and connection to our heritage.
4. Pursuit of International Justice: We demand international justice through mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court and universal jurisdiction. Justice is not only crucial for Armenians and for the regional peace but for the prevention of future crimes against humanity.
5. Safe and Dignified Return: Our strategic goal is a collective, safe and dignified return to our homeland. Without addressing the root causes and consequences of these crimes, lasting peace in the South Caucasus will remain out of reach.
6. Eradication of Anti-Armenian Hatred Policy: Anti-Armenian hatred and state-sponsored racism in Azerbaijan must be eliminated. This Nazi-style ideology fuels ongoing violence, sustains authoritarian rule and obstructs peace and democracy.
7. Protecting Armenia and Preventing Further Genocide: Azerbaijan is actively preparing for further war, using the false narrative of “Western Azerbaijan” to justify its ambitions to occupy Armenia. Dictator Aliyev feels emboldened by impunity, and Western silence—only firm measures such as sanctions and ICC referrals can deter further atrocities.
Beglaryan stated: “Protecting us means protecting yourselves. We Armenians are on the frontline of defending justice, humanity and Christian civilization. The time for action is now—not just words.”
François Zimeray remarked: “This was ethnic cleansing with a religious dimension. The only real protection for vulnerable people is international justice. It would be powerful if Denmark joined us in referring the case to the ICC. That is our mission—Denmark’s and Europe’s.”
Sjúrdur Skaale emphasized that “hostages must be released,” and expressed support for an ICC state referral, aligning with the European Parliament’s own demands.
Kim Hartzner, Managing Director of Mission10forty, reaffirmed the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting the people of Artsakh and defending universal human rights. He noted that Mission10forty has already provided support to over 10,000 refugees in Armenia.
The symposium concluded with a unified call for urgent international action to end impunity, secure justice for the victims and prevent further atrocities in the region.
Artak Beglaryan’s full speech is available here, and the full video recording of the symposium can be accessed here.
