Congressional Letter Urges Sanctions Against Aliyev's Government

More than 90 members of the U.S. Congress have submitted a request to the U.S. Department of State and the Treasury Department, demanding sanctions against the Azerbaijani government due to the humanitarian disaster in Nagorno-Karabakh, reports Voice of America.

“We urge the Department of State and the Department of Treasury to immediately exercise their discretionary authority to impose sanctions consistent with the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act against the government of Azerbaijan regarding military attacks and brutal blockades on Nagorno-Karabakh. These actions represent gross violations of human rights and acts of violent conflict, both of which directly violate American values and interests. Those responsible for these human rights violations must be held accountable by the United States,” the letter states.

Since December 12, 2022, Azerbaijan has closed the Lachin Corridor, the only route connecting Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh, depriving approximately 120,000 Armenians of the ability to move and access food, medical supplies, hygiene products, and other essentials. The consequences of the blockade are particularly acute for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with chronic health conditions, whose access to healthcare services has been severely limited or disrupted.

Local journalists have reported an increase in miscarriages and premature births due to pregnant women’s lack of proper nutrition and prenatal care. Azerbaijan has also disrupted the region's gas and electricity supplies, affecting the operations of medical and educational institutions while reducing heating possibilities as winter approaches.

After more than nine months of attempts to starve the ethnic Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijani armed forces launched a large-scale attack on the region on September 19, resulting in a ceasefire on September 20 and the capitulation of local authorities. The attack has heightened concerns regarding the worsening humanitarian crisis, and statements from the Azerbaijani government about “reintegration” raise fears of ethnic cleansing and cultural genocide.

In addition, at least 125 civilians were killed and about 300 injured due to an explosion at a gas station, as thousands of ethnic Armenians fled Nagorno-Karabakh fearing violence from Azerbaijani forces. This horrific incident dramatically underscores the urgent need for humanitarian aid and access.

The United States is a global leader in human rights issues and must continue to serve as a mediator and supporter of peace in the region. To hold Azerbaijan accountable for its actions regarding the blockade and assault on Nagorno-Karabakh, we respectfully ask that your offices exercise the authorities granted under the Global Magnitsky Act to impose targeted sanctions on those in Aliyev’s government who are responsible for or complicit in human rights violations in Nagorno-Karabakh,” the letter concludes.