The National Assembly of Artsakh has made the decision to address and prosecute Azerbaijan’s vandalism against the cultural heritage of Artsakh. The announcement states that Azerbaijan’s aggression and offensive in Artsakh have caused extensive destruction, posing a threat to significant cultural and historical values such as spiritual centers, educational institutions, and monuments in the ancient land of Artsakh.

Despite international efforts for peace, Azerbaijan has persistently sought to eradicate the cultural heritage of the Armenian people and carry out genocidal programs. To counter these acts of cultural genocide, aggression, occupation, looting, and destruction of the Armenians’ cultural heritage by Azerbaijan, measures have been taken.

Recent instances of vandalism include the desecration of the Holy Savior Monastery in Stepanakert, the capital of Artsakh, along with the destruction of the Armenian National Assembly building and the headquarters of the Free Artsakh movement.

Multiple documented cases of aggression point to the condemnation of acts of cultural genocide, destruction, deportation, displacement, and forced labor under the 4th clause of the Convention for the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, signed in 1954. The aggression by Azerbaijan, along with the creation of artificial obstacles and violation of the independence and security of the Republic of Armenia, present a new threat to the region.

The National Assembly of Artsakh denounces the aggressive actions of the Azerbaijani authorities, demands the repatriation of Armenian prisoners of war, and urges the international community to document and investigate all acts of aggression against cultural heritage, which systematically violate the rights of Azerbaijani civilians.