Report submitted on the destruction of Artsakh’s cultural heritage

The Artsakh Union has submitted a report to the British Parliament’s inquiry into the destruction of Artsakh’s cultural heritage.

Within the framework of the parliamentary inquiry “Erasing the Past: The Destruction of Cultural Heritage,” officially launched in the British Parliament, the Artsakh Union has raised the issue of the genocidal policy being implemented by Azerbaijan and spoke in defense of Artsakh’s endangered historical and cultural heritage.

At the first session, the President of the Artsakh Union, Artak Beglaryan, delivered a speech as the main speaker. In his remarks, he presented comprehensive facts to British parliamentarians and international legal experts on the destruction of Artsakh’s cultural heritage, the forced displacement and current situation of the people of Artsakh, and the violation of the rights of Armenian prisoners.

Artak Beglaryan emphasized the need for international monitoring and the introduction of preventive mechanisms that would contribute to the protection of the heritage and property of the people of Artsakh, which are under Azerbaijani occupation, in accordance with the orders of the UN International Court of Justice. He also specifically addressed the need to realize the right of return of the people of Artsakh and for international support, highlighting its importance for ensuring a just, dignified, and sustainable peace.

In addition to Beglaryan’s oral testimony, the Artsakh Union subsequently submitted to the British Parliament and the International Bar Association a comprehensive report co-authored by the Artsakh Union and the Artsakh Culture and Tourism Development Agency NGO entitled “The Systematic Destruction and Appropriation of Armenian Cultural Heritage in Artsakh by Azerbaijan (2020–2026).”

The report documents the deliberate destruction and appropriation of Armenian churches, cemeteries, monuments, and museum collections, presenting evidence that Azerbaijan’s actions are aimed at erasing the Armenian legacy in Artsakh and preventing the return of the indigenous population to their homeland.

“The inquiry is being carried out with the support of the International Bar Association Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and by a cross-party parliamentary group in the UK, chaired by Brendan O’Hara MP. It will consist of five phases, as a result of which a final report will be published and addressed to the UK government and international actors,” the news release said.