Georgetown Professor Urges Immediate Action as Artsakh Crisis Reveals Genocidal Intent by Azerbaijan

In a compelling testimony during a hearing convened by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. Congress on the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) crisis, Georgetown University Professor David Phillips left no room for doubt as he sounded the alarm on the genocidal intent he perceives in the lexicon employed by Azerbaijan's President, Ilham Aliyev, and his officials.

Phillips minced no words as he declared, "The lexicon used by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and his officials leaves no doubt about their genocidal intent." His statement underscored the gravity of the situation in the region and the urgent need for international attention and intervention.

Phillips pointed out that human rights advocates, international organizations, and independent media outlets have all been raising concerns about the unfolding crisis in Artsakh, amplifying the urgency of the matter.

Moreover, Phillips called for the immediate implementation of several proposed measures, including sanctions on Azerbaijan, invoking Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, enacting the Humanitarian Corridor Act, and enforcing the Magnitsky Act. These steps, according to Phillips, are essential to address the ongoing crisis effectively.

The professor also highlighted the United States' consistent calls for the reopening of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan, expressing disappointment that these appeals have been met with ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan and the tragic deaths of three Armenians.

Phillips argued that imposing sanctions on officials and the corrupt leadership of Azerbaijan could yield more impactful results in curbing the crisis.

Additionally, he revealed that he is leading an effort to document the atrocities committed by Azerbaijan in Artsakh, including evidence of Azerbaijan's alleged policy of ethnic cleansing.

During his testimony, Phillips did not shy away from addressing the broader context of the crisis. He cited war crimes committed by the armed forces of Azerbaijan during the 44-day Artsakh war in 2020, aggression against Armenia on September 13 of the previous year, the violation of humanitarian rights of Armenian prisoners of war being held in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku, and the illegal trials of Armenian servicemen.

In a chilling declaration, David Phillips labeled the ongoing events in Artsakh as the "second Armenian genocide," signaling the gravity of the situation and the need for swift and resolute international action to protect human rights and prevent further loss of life. The hearings in the U.S. Congress bring into sharp focus the moral and political challenges surrounding the crisis and call for decisive measures to ensure a just and lasting resolution.