Video: What is happening in Artsakh is genocide, action near ICRC office in Yerevan

We can no longer watch as our compatriots in Artsakh starve to death. Dozens of citizens have gathered near the Red Cross office in Yerevan to support the Armenians of Artsakh.

The majority of those gathered are young women, rallied by native Artsakh resident Alvard Zakaryan. She read a statement from Gegham Stepanyan, the Human Rights Defender of Artsakh.

“Stepanyan says, ‘I call on all actors in the international community. If you talk about human rights, then tell me, how can I look into the eyes of a malnourished pregnant woman, whose child may be born with defects? How can I look into the eyes of mothers whose daily dream is to find a handful of fruit or a piece of candy for their child? How can I look into the eyes of thousands standing in line for hours to get oil or sugar? I want you to look into their eyes, and you respond to them, because I can no longer find answers,’” Alvard stated. “We are also saying that we can no longer remain silent.”

The participants are confident that the International Committee of the Red Cross also has responsibilities in addressing the humanitarian issue in Artsakh.

“What is happening in Artsakh is genocide. The people have nothing left to eat, and some of that responsibility also lies with the Red Cross,” Alvard said.

The participants of the action are calling for unity, emphasizing that every victory is based on togetherness. Former MP Sophia Hovsepyan was also present at the rally.

“I came from the UN office, where I participated in a candlelight vigil for two small children who died in Artsakh. We call on the UN not to disregard the rights of the little ones in Artsakh and Armenia. It seems that children around the world are protected, but an Armenian child might die due to lack of bread,” she said.

Hovsepyan emphasized that we should not forget about the 30,000 children in Artsakh who also need protection. The rally participants left the banners they brought at the Red Cross office and promised to continue the action outside all international offices and embassies to be of some assistance to the Armenians of Artsakh.