Ocampo Sends Open Letter to Global Armenian Community

Former prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Luis Moreno Ocampo, who authored a report describing Azerbaijan's actions against the Armenian population in occupied Artsakh as "genocide," has sent a second open letter to the global Armenian community. He highlighted three interconnected issues.

"Armenia remains at risk while negotiating a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. There is no clarity on how the people of Nagorno-Karabakh—victims of the 2023 genocide—can safely return to their ancestral lands. Twenty-three Armenian hostages continue to be held in prisons in Baku. Azerbaijan is set to host COP29, the UN Climate Change Conference, in November 2024 under the guise of 'COP for Peace.' If the Armenians are not released, and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is ignored by the delegations attending COP29, then President Aliyev will be provided with a powerful platform to further his geopolitical ambitions of seizing all of Armenia. Such a scenario would not only deny the genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh and condemn the hostages to prolonged imprisonment but would also render the entire community a forgotten relic of the past, increasing the danger for Armenia itself," Ocampo wrote.

He noted that the Armenian authorities are conducting very complex negotiations. "The Armenian communities in Armenia and the diaspora, along with people like me who are concerned about genocides and wars, must respect these efforts by raising awareness of the issue and uniting all Armenians to defend the people and the land. This is happening; Armenians from around the world are mobilizing. On August 23, the president of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Perch Sedrakyan, addressed the U.S. Secretary of State to ensure the release of all Armenian prisoners from Azerbaijan. He understands the U.S. efforts but is concerned that Blinken's words have been 'ignored and will continue to be overlooked.' In the past month, thousands of people from more than 30 countries, many with Armenian ancestry, have gathered in digital forums and on social media. They are united by the same hashtags: #COP29, #StopGreenwashGenocide, #FreeArmenianHostages, #FreePoliticalPrisoners. Now is the time to expand the movement and connect it with decision-makers around the world. Aliyev's victims are not only Armenians. He affects the environment, Azerbaijani citizens, and even European parliamentarians. Azerbaijan, enriched by fossil fuels, occupies a leading position in global efforts to divert climate change. The regime shows no mercy; it pressures journalists, academics, and any dissidents within its borders," Ocampo continued.

The rights advocate believes the next step will be to demand that COP29 delegates speak out on these issues. He added that he is happy to have received an invitation to visit Armenia on September 9. "This will be a unique opportunity to meet with representatives of civil society in Armenia and develop a common strategy. Armenians, let us defend Armenia and lead the world towards a truly peaceful COP29," Ocampo concluded.