ICCROM General Assembly Confronts Azerbaijan's Destruction of Armenian Monuments in Artsakh

The 33rd session of the General Assembly of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) convened in Rome, bringing together experts and delegates from around the world. Among the attendees was Harutyun Vanyan, Head of the Department of Protection of History and Cultural Monuments at the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of Armenia, along with diplomats from the Armenian embassy in Italy.

During the session, Vanyan delivered a comprehensive report highlighting the pressing issues concerning the preservation of Armenian historical and cultural monuments in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). He shed light on Azerbaijan's ongoing state policy aimed at erasing the Armenian legacy from Nagorno-Karabakh, which includes the destruction of Armenian historical and cultural sites or falsification of Armenian identity.

The report emphasized the immense cultural heritage that Nagorno-Karabakh holds and highlighted the critical role that international authoritative organizations must play in safeguarding these valuable artifacts. Vanyan pointed out that a similar situation occurred in Nakhichevan, where, unfortunately, Armenian historical and cultural heritage could not be preserved.

Vanyan presented clear facts and figures illustrating instances of vandalism and destruction of Armenian monuments perpetrated by Azerbaijan. He referred to resolutions and decisions adopted by several international organizations, which Azerbaijan, disregarding international law and order, has failed to implement.

During the session, an agreement was reached within the framework of ICCROM's First Aid and Resilience for Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis (FAR) program. The agreement took into account the number of endangered and border monuments in Armenia, outlining measures to protect these cultural treasures.

The discussion at the ICCROM General Assembly shed light on the urgent need to address the preservation challenges faced by Armenian cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh. The collaboration between international organizations and concerned nations is crucial in ensuring the protection and continuity of these invaluable historical and cultural sites, which hold immense significance for the global cultural heritage landscape. The outcome of these discussions underscores the collective responsibility to preserve the shared heritage of humanity, even in times of crisis and conflict.