Christian Armenians Trapped Behind Blockade: Urgent Plea for Intervention
Amidst a dire humanitarian crisis, over 120,000 Christian Armenians are currently stranded behind a blockade imposed by Azerbaijan, a Muslim-majority nation.
The Nagorno-Karabakh region, the site of the blockade, has left these individuals without access to essential resources like food and medicine.
Former ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, Sam Brownback, who conducted an investigative mission to Armenia, has described the situation as a deliberate attempt by Azerbaijan to undermine the Christian population in the area, characterizing it as a form of “religious cleansing.”
A Religious and Territorial Struggle
The root of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh dates back to 1988.
This dispute is not only a territorial one but also deeply influenced by religious factors.
Christian Armenia and Muslim Azerbaijan are at odds over the control of Nagorno-Karabakh, with Armenia seeking to maintain its influence while Azerbaijan aims to displace the Christian Armenian population to solidify its dominance.
Brownback highlights that Azerbaijan’s alignment with Turkey, both politically and philosophically, further complicates the matter.
He suggests that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s aspirations could be linked to reviving the Ottoman Empire, historically known for its genocidal actions against Armenian Christians.
Humanitarian Crisis and Urgent Intervention
Armenia, sandwiched between Turkey and Azerbaijan, has a rich Christian heritage.
It boasts one of the world’s oldest Christian communities.
However, the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, which has been ongoing since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, has led to multiple outbreaks of war and truce failures.
Experts on the ground warn that the Christian community in Nagorno-Karabakh faces a genuine risk of genocide.
The population is in urgent need of international intervention to ensure the delivery of essential aid.
Blockade and Its Devastating Consequences
In 2020, with the support of Turkey, Azerbaijan reignited the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
A six-week war resulted in Azerbaijan gaining control of the region, leaving 100,000 Armenian Christians isolated from the rest of Armenia.
The “Lachin Corridor,” a short road connecting the two territories, became crucial for the delivery of supplies.
However, pro-government Azerbaijanis initiated a blockade in December 2022, preventing aid from reaching those trapped.
Despite international protests, Azerbaijani troops established a checkpoint on the road, intensifying the blockade.
Dire Conditions and International Response
Since the blockade began, the conditions for the Christian Armenian population have worsened dramatically.
With no access to food, medicine, electricity, or gas, their survival is at risk.
International appeals for intervention have been made by Pope Francis, human rights groups, and the United Nations.
However, Azerbaijan denies the existence of the blockade, claiming to ensure the safety of civilians traveling through the corridor.
Catholic Relief Efforts and Calls for Action
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Caritas Armenia have been actively supporting the affected population through humanitarian relief efforts.
Despite the ongoing conflict, countries like the U.S., France, and the European Union have continued to provide economic aid to Azerbaijan.
Brownback and others urge invoking Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act of 1992, which could pressure Azerbaijan to cease its blockades and offensive actions.
Hope for Diplomatic Resolution
Efforts for peace talks involving Armenia, Azerbaijan, the U.S., European Union, and Russia have taken place, raising hopes for a peaceful solution.
While Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recognizes Azerbaijani sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh, he still advocates for the rights of the trapped Armenian population.
Despite the ongoing struggle, no official agreements have been reached between the two nations thus far.
The international community watches closely, hoping for a diplomatic end to the crisis.
