OSCE Human Dimension Conference Spotlights Azerbaijan’s Decades-Long Campaign of Hate Against Armenians

At the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Human Dimension Conference in Vienna today, two important voices spoke out against the deeply rooted hatred and discrimination facing Armenians in Azerbaijan.

Ruzanna Avagimyan, a lawyer from the Armenian NGO “Union of Informed Citizens,” delivered a powerful speech revealing the institutionalized hatred, isolation, and hostility towards Armenians in Azerbaijan. She showed how this hatred is not only encouraged but is a state policy under Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Her remarks brought to light horrific abuses and violent acts committed by Azerbaijani militants during the latest conflicts.

Avagimyan explained that Aliyev’s government has embedded Armenophobia—hatred of Armenians—into the very identity of Azerbaijan. This hatred is spread openly and widely through media, education, and social platforms. From kindergarten lessons to television programs, Azerbaijani citizens are fed anti-Armenian propaganda without any distinction between the Armenian state and Armenian individuals.

This official hate has led to brutal acts by Azerbaijani forces. Reports show that militants mutilated Armenian soldiers and civilians alike, treating body parts as trophies. These acts of cruelty were not hidden; they were often recorded and proudly shared on social media, showing a disturbing normalization of violence.

Aliyev’s government even declared a general amnesty for all who fought in the war against Nagorno-Karabakh. This means that even if the United Nations or international bodies find proof of war crimes, those responsible cannot be held accountable. Aliyev’s own words revealed the hateful mindset: the younger Azerbaijani generation has been raised to hate Armenians, and many young people died in this aggressive war.

Avagimyan called the recent war what it really was—an aggressive war full of war crimes, extrajudicial killings, genocidal policies like the blockade of the Lachin (Berdzor) Corridor, systematic hate speech, and discrimination. She reminded the audience that half a million Armenians were forced to flee their homes because of this hatred.

She urged the international community to stop empty words about peace and prosperity and instead take real action. Without addressing the deep hatred and violence glorified by Aliyev’s regime, true peace and reconciliation cannot happen.

Daniel Ioannisyan, Programs Coordinator at the same NGO, also addressed the conference. He presented facts showing the scale of racism and Armenophobia in Azerbaijan.

Ioannisyan spoke about the ethnic cleansing of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023, when approximately 120,000 people were forced to leave in just one week. He noted that 40 years ago, half a million Armenians lived in Azerbaijan; now only 200 remain.

He detailed the tragic history of anti-Armenian violence in Azerbaijan, from the 1988 pogroms in Sumgait to massacres in Baku and other cities. Mr. Ioannisyan also gave examples of Aliyev’s open support for Armenophobia: pardoning a soldier who murdered an Armenian in cold blood, rewarding soldiers who committed brutal acts, and public speeches where Armenians were compared to dogs. 

Both speakers invited the OSCE members and conference participants to a side event on June 3 at 1:15 p.m. to discuss Armenophobia in Azerbaijan in more detail.

Their testimonies show the urgent need for the international community to recognize and respond to the systematic hatred and discrimination Armenians face in Azerbaijan. 

As Avagimyan concluded: peace, inclusivity, and harmony are not just words — they require real action against hatred.

—

Support independent reporting from the region by subscribing to The Armenian Report. Our team is funded solely by readers like you.