The AYF-YOARF Central Hai Tahd Council hosted a webinar with over 75 participants to address human rights abuses in Azerbaijan before COP29. Led by ANCA leaders, the discussion highlighted greenwashing tactics by Azerbaijan, the advocacy pillars of their organizations, and pressure on U.S. officials ahead of the conference. Key congressional figures supported the cause, reflecting an impact on attendance at COP29.
In a striking display of advocacy, the AYF-YOARF Central Hai Tahd Council (CHTC) hosted a powerful webinar on COP29, engaging over 75 participants one fateful Monday evening. The event emphasized the collaborative efforts between the ANCA and AYF to expose human rights violations in Azerbaijan, particularly against the indigenous Armenian population of Artsakh, in light of the upcoming global climate conference in Baku. Moderated by CHTC Chair Nairi Diratsouian, the discussion featured insights from notable ANCA leaders, including Alex Galitsky and Gev Iskajyan. Iskajyan opened the session with an enlightening explanation of the COP conference’s purpose—an international assembly focused on combating climate change. His concerns about Azerbaijan’s controversial status as a host country highlighted its authoritarian regime and the unsettling backdrop of genocide against Armenians in Artsakh. This choice of venue raised serious ethical questions among participants, setting the stage for a critical conversation. Galitsky further elaborated on the troubling phenomenon of greenwashing, where misleading narratives are spun to mask atrocities. The oppressive actions of the Azerbaijani government, he explained, are often shrouded in claims of environmental progress, creating a façade that shields their darker realities. If allowed to persist, such tactics would dangerously normalize the genocide faced by the Armenians of Artsakh. The conversation then shifted to the ANCA and AYF’s advocacy pillars: securing the release of prisoners, addressing human rights abuses, ensuring safe returns for Armenians, and publicly denouncing greenwashing efforts. Iskajyan profoundly declared, “If COP is a ship, we are the wind in the sails,” signifying the organization’s role in steering the narrative towards justice. Significantly, figures such as Senator Ed Markey and Congressman Frank Pallone raised alarms over Azerbaijan’s human rights record through a letter to the Biden administration, galvanizing support from over 60 congressional representatives. Their efforts propelled noticeable declines in attendance among high-ranking U.S. officials and global leaders, underscoring the work of advocacy groups. The effectiveness of these initiatives was underscored by recent defensive rhetoric from Azerbaijani officials, who attempted to dismiss human rights discussions at COP29 as conspiracies, revealing their anxiety. Galitsky urged continued public pressure against any relationship with Azerbaijan, advocating for a future where the country is viewed as a pariah in global circles. As the evening drew to a close, the participants engaged in a vibrant Q&A session, highlighting the tactical relationships built through the advocacy efforts, which have been instrumental for the Armenian cause. Diratsouian called upon everyone to amplify their voices on social media, engage with local ANC chapters, and become rapid responders to about Azerbaijan’s unfolding narratives.
The webinar hosted by the AYF-YOARF Central Hai Tahd Council focused on the area of human rights abuses and environmental discussions related to COP29, an international climate conference. Set in Azerbaijan, a country known for its authoritarian practices and recent accusations of genocide against Armenians, this gathering served as a platform for activists to confront the juxtaposition of climate efforts against the backdrop of ongoing violence and oppression. With international figures attending, the implications for both climate policies and human rights advocacy resonated deeply across various communities, particularly amid the ongoing conflicts in Artsakh.
The AYF-YOARF Central Hai Tahd Council’s webinar on COP29 served as a clarion call for awareness around Azerbaijan’s human rights abuses, advocating for justice ahead of the climate conference. With a strong emphasis on grassroots activism and international cooperation, the advocacy group’s efforts highlight a crucial intersection of environmental justice and human rights that demands ongoing global attention. The path ahead is one of vigilance, unity, and relentless pressure to ensure respect for human dignity is upheld at all levels of international engagement.
Original Source: armenianweekly.com
