September 26, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Armenian-American Action Network, GALAS LGBTQ+ Armenian Society, and Southern California Armenian Democrats collectively condemn the siege upon and forced mass displacement of the people of Artsakh by the genocidal Aliyev regime. We are devastated by the atrocities unfolding in Artsakh upon the indigenous Armenian population. All Armenians around the world are at real risk of losing our homeland and we must continue to advocate for the safety of Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenian diaspora.
The Armenian community is being destroyed under Western imperialism and Turkic fascism as Western media outlets peddle Azeri propaganda that this was an operation of “counter-terrorism” when it really is ethnic cleansing. This has always been a genocidal campaign that has demonstrated that it will stop at nothing until all of Armenia is gone. We call on all people of conscience to stand in solidarity with Artsakh and act now.
Right now, more than 50,000 Armenians are displaced as refugees by Azerbaijan. Children are being starved and have been killed. We demand the United States and community leaders around the world send international observers and immediate substantive humanitarian aid to Armenians of Artsakh. We demand the world stop its genocidal silence and act now.
We also call for all Armenians to remain united and focused as an Armenian diaspora community. We cannot afford more division. This is the time to protect all Armenians, so that we can continue to support our homeland. Our strength is in our people. We must build collectively and refuse to give up, as our people in our homeland are under attack. Let’s not lose hope. Please take care of yourselves and each other. Demand from your representatives that they take action NOW.
For those in diasporan communities in any country, we urge you to reach out to your local, state, and national elected officials to pressure our governments to act. Every Armenian around the world is needed to fight for our people who face systemic erasure. Stop Genocide Now.
To support direct refugee family relief, donate to the following organizations who are doing on-the-ground work:
Hayk for Our Heroes - aiding displaced Artsakh residents with housing and materials
Center for Truth & Justice - documenting war crimes and providing legal aid
All for Armenia - helping displaced families, and border communities
Armenian Relief Society - providing support for refugees
To contact your representatives, get resources from these Armenian organizations:
Armenian-American Action Network (AAAN) is an U.S. advocacy and research organization fighting anti-Armenian racism and Armenophobia in the United States, teaching Armenian-American history, and forwarding civil, immigrant and refugee rights for all communities.
GALAS LGBTQ+ Armenian Society (GALAS) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit based in Los Angeles, providing resources and programming for the LGBTQ+ Armenian community and beyond. Since 1998, GALAS has been the leading voice in advancing equality for LGBTQ+ Armenians worldwide.
Southern California Armenian Democrats (SCAD) is the first and the largest regional Armenian-American Democratic Club in CA & U.S., working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout California and the U.S.
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