In his recent opinion article, Thomas Becker, Legal and Policy Director at the University Network for Human Rights, sheds light on the severe human rights violations occurring in Nagorno-Karabakh. Becker’s analysis, supported by a Freedom House report, paints a grim picture of the situation, describing the September 2023 Azerbaijani attack as a premeditated act of ethnic cleansing.
According to Becker, the assault led to the immediate displacement of all 120,000 ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, with many becoming refugees in Armenia. Azerbaijan claims this exodus was voluntary, but the Armenian community sees it as a forced expulsion—an accusation Becker supports with evidence from the Freedom House report.
The report details a systematic campaign by President Ilham Aliyev’s regime to drive out the Armenian population. This strategy involved creating intolerable living conditions and systematically destroying Armenian cultural and religious sites, including cemeteries and churches.
Becker argues that Aliyev’s regime, known for its repression of democratic freedoms and political dissent, has used the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis to distract from domestic issues. His article highlights the international community’s failure to act decisively, despite the International Court of Justice’s February 2023 order for Azerbaijan to end its blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh. This inaction has allowed the Azerbaijani government to continue its aggressive policies.
In his article, Becker calls for urgent global action. He proposes diplomatic sanctions against Azerbaijani officials, targeted economic sanctions on key industries, and increased humanitarian support for displaced Armenians. The introduction of the H.R. 8141 – Azerbaijan Sanctions Review Act of 2024, which seeks to impose sanctions on those responsible for the ethnic cleansing, is a positive step. Additionally, Becker suggests that international businesses consider divesting from Azerbaijan to apply further economic pressure.
Becker also emphasizes the role of international events, such as the COP29 climate conference hosted by Azerbaijan, in drawing attention to human rights abuses. He advocates for boycotts or strategic use of such forums to hold the Azerbaijani regime accountable.
For a comprehensive understanding of Becker’s analysis and recommendations, read his full opinion article.
