Azerbaijan's Genocide of Artsakh's Armenians: The Urgent Call for Accountability

ANCA's Tereza Yerimyan Demands Action Against Biden Administration's Complicity

In a powerful and impassioned plea, Tereza Yerimyan, Government Affairs Director at the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), stood before the nation on Capitol Hill. Her words, laden with urgency and determination, reverberated through the halls of Washington, D.C. Yerimyan's mission was clear: to hold the Biden administration accountable for its continued support of Azerbaijan and its genocidal actions against the indigenous Armenian Christian population of Artsakh.

Azerbaijan's Genocide Unveiled:

The world has witnessed the horrors unfolding in Artsakh, where Azerbaijan's aggression, bolstered by Turkey's unwavering support, has caused unimaginable suffering. International law, including the Genocide Convention's Articles II(b) and II(c), has been blatantly violated, yet the global response has been disappointingly muted.

A Cry for Justice:

Standing on Capitol Hill, Yerimyan passionately proclaimed, "We gather here today to hold our government accountable. To save all that can be saved. And to rededicate ourselves to the proposition that this must never happen again." These words resonated not only with Armenians but with anyone who values human rights and the sanctity of life.

Hollow Promises and Betrayals:

President Joe Biden's recent words at the United Nations General Assembly, echoing the importance of upholding the UN's core principles, rang hollow when juxtaposed with his administration's actions. While pledging to protect member states, the U.S. government has remained alarmingly passive.

The State Department's assurance that it would not "tolerate" Azerbaijani attacks on Artsakh proved empty, as Azerbaijani aggression continued unabated. The stark contrast between promises and actions paints a bleak picture for the persecuted Armenians of Artsakh.

A Dangerous Silence:

Yerimyan drew attention to the lack of American leadership in confronting Ilham Aliyev's regime, which she aptly likened to this generation's Saddam Hussein. Instead of decisive action, Armenians received empty promises and military aid for Azerbaijan.

The Urgent Call to Action:

Even as more than half of Artsakh has been forcibly ethnically cleansed, President Biden has hesitated to enforce Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, restricting aid to Azerbaijan. The consequences of this inaction are dire, sending a message of weakness and surrender to forces of intolerance.

Azerbaijan, as evidenced by its actions, is not a true ally of the United States. The Aliyev regime profits while innocent children suffer, and its indifference to human life is inexcusable. The solution, Yerimyan argues, is clear: cut off military aid, enforce sanctions, and provide robust humanitarian assistance to those in desperate need.

In Solidarity:

Yerimyan's impassioned speech transcended borders, resonating with all communities affected by persecution, from Lebanon to Nigeria. Her call to demand American leadership and action is a plea for the defense of human rights worldwide.

As Yerimyan concluded her speech, she left no room for ambiguity: the Biden administration must be held accountable for its complicity. Without accountability, the cycle of genocide persists, casting a dark shadow over humanity's collective conscience. The time to act is now, and the responsibility falls upon the shoulders of those who have the power to make a difference.