Video: Mirzoyan Alerts UNESCO: The Remaining Heritage in Artsakh is Being Desecrated

The 10-month blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan, the humanitarian crisis, the lack of food, medication, gas, and electricity supplies, and finally, the large-scale military offensive targeting civilians and infrastructure indiscriminately have resulted in the forced displacement and ethnic cleansing of the native Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh, compelling them to abandon their homes and leave behind their shrines and centuries-old cultural and religious heritage.

Ararat Mirzoyan, Armenia's Foreign Minister, addressed the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference, making the following statement: 'Armenia is currently facing a massive influx of over 100,000 refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, including 30,000 children, who have fled their ancestral homeland within just a few days, under the threat of persecution and crimes against humanity. The Armenian government, in cooperation with international organizations and partner countries, has undertaken several measures to save the lives of refugees and address their urgent needs for protection and rapid recovery.'

Regarding the cultural and religious heritage remaining in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Minister emphasized that its protection from vandalism and theft is critically important. Since autumn 2020, the Republic of Armenia has continuously alerted the international community about the destruction, desecration, and appropriation of significant religious and cultural heritage in and around Nagorno-Karabakh as a matter of Azerbaijan's state policy.