Author: Garo Vardanian

Asbarez: A Home Away from Homes

Garo Vardanian
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Latest, News, Top Stories

Student Home sign on Malyan Street, Yerevan

BY JOSEPH DAGDIGIAN

Students from Armenia’s and Artsakh’s villages hoping to attend one of the many universities in Yerevan face a number of obstacles, most importantly the challenge of affordable housing. Other difficulties include problems resulting from the poor conditions within many village schools where a lack of resources may result in inadequate preparation in some subjects. Unfamiliarity with life in a large urban environment may be another issue.

Families of students from remote villages who cannot afford to support a student’s independent living expenses in Yerevan may consider leaving their village and moving to Yerevan for the sake of their children’s education. But abandoning Armenia’s villages, and especially Armenia’s border villages, poses serious problems for Armenia. Villages must be strengthened, not emptied of families. Despite cases of underfunded and understaffed village schools, however, many students from such villages excel due to their strong work ethics, and sheer determination to succeed.

Student Home, under the auspices of Armenia’s Strong Minds, is an NGO established in 2021 by Mher Mkrtchyan – owner of a business in Yerevan, Tsovinar Sargsyan – a business leader and educator, and Paytsar Muradyan – a scientist, together with others. Student Home’s mission is to provide a supportive, affordable home for students from Armenia’s and Artsakh’s remote villages who are attending universities in Yerevan. Cost to students is approximately one quarter (25 percent) of the cost of university housing.

  • The entrance to Student Home
  • Map of Armenia and Artsakh being completed near the entrance of the building

Additionally, Student Home provides a welcoming and supportive environment for young Armenians unaccustomed to a big city environment. Informal educational lectures on topics of interest are organized and tutorials are offered for students who may need additional instruction in subjects such as English or Russian language, or computer skills. When feasible, scholarships may be offered to some of the neediest students.  Just as important as the above, a community of determined young men and women from villages across Armenia and Artsakh is established. Though students are from different villages and are focusing on different majors at different universities, a common bond of community is established within a nurturing environment.

Student Home is located on 20 David Malyan St., Yerevan in a vacant factory building. As the building was unused, Strong Minds negotiated a low-cost 10-year lease on a portion of the building which they renovated with funds from Armenian and Diaspora donors. Much of the work was done by volunteers. Though construction work is not quite complete, there are currently about 30 to 35 resident students there (fall semester – 2021) with a goal of housing 45 to 50 students. There is the possibility of purchasing the facilities sometime in the future.

Student Home includes a large kitchen area, a meeting room for socializing or lectures, new bathrooms and a laundry. During an initial visit to their library, the library was about 20 percent populated with donated books. Each subsequent visit evidenced more and more books. Now sufficient books have been collected for some to be donated to village libraries, village schools, or community centers. Rooms are neat and modern with usually two students per room.

  • A student in the kitchen at Student Home
  • Students at Student Home

The environment is cordial, attractively furnished and decorated, with a sense of community among the student residents. In the entrance way there is a large, nearly completed painting of a map of Armenia and Artsakh. Each student will have his or her village marked on the map. During evening hours, a security guard will be posted at the Student Home and the entrance will be monitored with a surveillance camera.

Admission criteria are that students must be from remote villages, and must demonstrate a commitment to contribute to their village’s development. Participating students have the opportunity to attend a number of Yerevan’s universities including Yerevan State University, the State Engineering University (Polytechnic), the French University, the Russian University, and the Pedagogical University, with a number of majors including law, mathematics, architecture, international relations, science, psychology, philosophy, languages, and education.

Interviews with some of the students provided insight into students’ feelings for and commitments to their villages, and how they believe they may help. They also addressed some of their thoughts to the diaspora. The following are some excerpts from interviews with these young Armenian men and women:

  • Student Home students
  • Students, from left: a student from Aragatsavan, Aragatsotn region, a student from Dilijan, Ruzanna Vartanyan

Dianna Askaryan – from a border village in the Askaran region of Artsakh: She is majoring in international relations at Yerevan State University. She is sure she will be able to bring benefits to her country – “Armenia and Artsakh – one country, inseparable.” Her village has security issues which they need to deal with. She intends to establish youth activities upon her return, first in her village, then in neighboring villages. She said that without Student Home it would be difficult to rent an apartment in Yerevan. Her interview was in English which was quite good. She hopes Armenians from the Diaspora will visit Student Home.

Dianna Grigoryan, from Vanadzor, Lori Province, is studying IT at the National Polytechnic University of Armenia (Polytechnic Institute), hoping to pursue a career in data science and cyber security. She wants to use these skills to develop her country. In a message to the Diaspora, she said, “Follow your dreams and help your country, it’s our home.”

S. Torosyan, from Martuni, is studying at the Pedagogical University. He notes that his is a new village, established in 1921 by refugees from Western Armenia. His village, he says, is a replica of Western Armenia. He wants to return to his village and enhance youth activities there. “Student Home is like a large family,” said Torosyan.

  • Students, from left: a student from Ateni, Aragatsotn region, Narek Baghdasaryan, Mariam Alexanyan
  • One of many motivational signs, which reads, ‘Never, ever, ever give up’

A young woman from Aragatsavan is currently studying psychology and philosophy at Yerevan State University; subjects she has always been interested in. She wants to understand and help people, improve government, and collaborate with the Diaspora. She wants all Armenians to be united.

A young woman from Dilijan is majoring in European languages at Yerevan State University studying English, with a determination to learn German and other European languages and cultures as well. She praised Diljan’s beauty and attraction for tourists. She wants to represent Armenian culture to non-Armenians. “All Armenians should be united,” she said.

Ruzanna Vartanyan, from Artabuynk, Vayots Dzor Province, is studying architecture and construction techniques at Yerevan State University. She expressed a desire for unity with the Diaspora.

  • Students, from left: Dianna Askaryan, Dianna Grigoryan, S. Torosyan
  • Students, from left: Sevag from Dzorakap village, Shirak region, a student from Dzoravan, Gegharkunik region, Samonik, Nikolai Aghahjanyan

Narek Baghdasaryan, from Karmir Gyugh in Gegharkunik Province, is at the Polytechnic Institute majoring in engineering and computer science. He complains that the youth do not have enough after-school activities and many leave their villages. He is thankful for those who help and wishes “for a stronger government and strong Diaspora.”

Mariam Alexanyan, from Arevashat village, is a student at the Armenian Economic University. “My village is a beautiful village and I can not foresee living outside my village,” said Alexanyan. “Student Home has given me an opportunity to help my village.” She intends on returning and organizing the youth of her village to address village issues. To the Diaspora, she said, “Those who have not visited Armenia should visit at least on one occasion.”

S. Muradyan, who is originally from Horatagh village in northern Artsakh but now lives in Shirak Province in Armenia, is a 2nd year mathematics student at the Armenian – Russian University. Though his village is in a very suitable area near the north-south highway, he is dismayed that many villagers work outside his village. In regard to Student Home, he said, “I feel very comfortable here.” To the Diaspora, he said, “Sure, it’s easier out there. But come back and do here what you do there.”

A young woman, from Dzoravan, Gegharkunik Province, is studying tourism at the Armenian-Russian university. People from her village are originally from northern Artsakh. While the village population is decreasing, the number of youths is on the rise. Upon her return she intends to work with young people. She asks all Diaspora Armenians to act as ambassadors for Armenia and Armenian culture.

Samonik, from Sanahin in Lori Marz, is enrolled at the Armenian Pedagogical University learning how to help deaf children. She wants to help children overcome their difficulties. Her village, like most, depends on farming and raising animals but also has a cottage industry selling handicrafts to people visiting the Sanahin Monastery.

Nikolai Aghahjanyan, from Gegharkunik Province, is law student studying at the French University. Classes are in English, but by the 2nd year classes will be in French, which he is learning. He was always interested in law. He says the Diaspora can help Armenia even if they are unable to come to Armenia.

Information about Student Home is available on their GoFundMe page.

Armenian, Georgian PMs hold meeting in Tbilisi

Garo Vardanian

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 15:19, 20 December, 2021

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan had a private meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Tbilisi on the sidelines of his working visit, the Armenian PM’s Office reports.

The sides highlighted the holding of the session of the Armenian-Georgian inter-governmental commission on economic cooperation in Tbilisi, aimed at further developing and strengthening the bilateral commercial ties.

The Armenian and Georgian PMs expressed confidence that there is a great potential to expand the economic ties between the two countries, stating that efforts must be made to effectively exercise that potential.

The officials also exchanged views about the developments in the South Caucasus, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

Erdoğan meeting possible if envoys hold successful talks – Pashinyan

Garo Vardanian
Dec 25 2021

  • Dec 25 2021 06:47 Gmt+3
  • Last Updated On: Dec 25 2021 06:48 Gmt+3

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is possible if talks between the special envoys of the two countries are successful, APA news agency reported on Friday.

Pashinyan’s remarks arrive amid a thaw in relations between the two countries after almost three decades of frozen ties.

“There is no such idea or agreement (for a meeting with Erdoğan). But if a negotiation process runs successfully with the participation of [Ruben] Rubinyan and the process matures up this point, it should be followed by a highest-level meeting,” Russian Sputnik news site cited Pashinyan as saying.

Although there is no agreement on a planned meeting with the Turkish leader, it cited Pashinyan as saying, such an encounter might take place if special representatives from both sides are successful in their negotiations.

Earlier this month, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu announced that the two countries would appoint special envoys to normalize relations and that Turkey would resume charter flights with Yerevan.

Ankara on Dec.15 appointed former ambassador to the United States, Serdar Kılıç, as special envoy to discuss steps for normalization of ties with Armenia. 

Three days later, Armenia appointed deputy speaker of the National Assembly Ruben Rubinyan as its special representative for dialogue with Turkey.

Diplomatic relations between the countries have been suspended for 28 years due to Armenia’s extended military standoff with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh in which Ankara sided with Baku. Two bilateral protocols were signed between Turkey and Armenia in Zurich in 2009 aimed at normalizing ties. They were never ratified by either of the country’s parliaments.

In a country with 30% poverty, revolutionary official should not care solely about own comfort – Hayk Marutyan

Garo Vardanian
Panorama, Armenia
Dec 22 2021

"In 2018, I put on sale the Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicle which was assigned to the Mayor and transferred the amount to the city budget," Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan stated on Wednesday, during special meeting of the Yerevan Council on the impeachment process against him. In Marutyan's words, he refused from the car, instead took economy class 'Nissan' he drives himself without even bodyguards. 

Responding to accusations that he had reportedly embezzled funds from the city budget, Marutyan said he had never received payment bonuses and refused a salary increase. 

"This is not something heroic. This is even not good but normal, and it is my conviction. This conviction should also guide any official who received the revolutionary mandate. In a country with 30% poverty, an official cannot care about improving own prosperity at the expense of the state. Furthermore, the public service should be a kind of self-sacrifice and destitution for coming years," said Marutyan, adding the colleagues from the Civil Contract party regretfully do not share this view. 

The Mayor then noted that he had decided to leave the ruling party in 2020 due to these differences and the implementation of his decision was delayed to the war and then after the post-war instability in the country. In his words, he left to the ruling force to publicize his decision. 

"You may ask why I have not voiced about this thus far. I kept silent not to escalate the internal political situation. The Civil Contract party, however, considers the stability in the country is favorable and the moment has come to implement the change of power in the Mayor's Office. Thus, I am free now to talk openly to people about this," said the Mayor. 

Armenian PM receives Russian deputy prime minister

Garo Vardanian

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 10:52,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received today Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, Pashinyan’s Office reports.

The meeting was also attended by Armenian deputy PM Mher Grigoryan and Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin.

The inter-agency delegation led by the Russian deputy PM arrived in Armenia for the session of the Armenian-Russian inter-governmental commission on economic cooperation.

Welcoming the guests, PM Pashinyan highlighted the holding of the session of the Armenia-Russia inter-governmental commission in Yerevan, wishing a productive work.

The Russian deputy PM in turn thanked for the reception and said that the bilateral contacts have been quite intensive this year, as several business missions, representatives of Russian business, who are deeply interested in working in Armenia, have visited the country.

Pashinyan and Overchuk discussed also the agenda of the Armenian-Russian cooperation and the economic ties. They touched upon the 2021 bilateral trade turnover volumes and praised the growth registered in the field.

Both sides emphasized the importance of making joint efforts to develop the commercial and investment partnership and fully utilize the potential existing in the field.

The sides also exchanged views about the prospects of restoring the transportation communications in the South Caucasian region and the activity of the Armenia-Russia-Azerbaijan working group led by the deputy prime ministers.

Anti-vaccination movement in the countries of Eastern Partnership – sources, scope, consequences

Garo Vardanian

Dec 21 2021


  • Material from Armenia: Covid-19 – medical or political problem?
  • Material from Georgia. Pandemic: following the footsteps of conspiracy theories
  • Material from Ukraine. Anti-vaccination movement

Anti-vaccination movements in Eastern Partnership countries

Journalists from Armenia, Georgia and Ukraine prepared materials on the vaccination situation in their countries. They talk about the anti-vaccination movements and assess the scale and consequences of the campaigns they organize.

Author – Gayane Sargsyan

At present, Armenia is among the countries with the lowest rate of vaccination. The struggle between the vaccination movement and ‘anti-vax’ campaigns here is ongoing. Very often, this struggle transfers from the healthcare sector to the political field.

As of December 17, 343,350 cases of coronavirus were confirmed, 327,539 patients recovered and 7,885 people died. Only 24.6% of the country’s adults received both doses of the vaccine.

According to Reuters, as of December, Armenia still has the lowest vaccination rate among neighboring countries. In Georgia, it is 31.2%, in Azerbaijan – 54.3%, in Turkey – 73% and in Ukraine – 30.1%.

For the first time, a sharp increase in the spread of the pandemic in Armenia was recorded in the spring of 2020. Over the course of about a year and a half, since the beginning of the pandemic, the government has introduced a number of restrictions, as a result of which, from time to time, there have been positive fluctuations between the rates of morbidity and mortality.

It is noteworthy that the official data on coronavirus mortality rates in 2020-2021 provided by the state statistics committee does not correspond to the figures published by the Ministry of Health – the difference of 1,027 cases is quite significant for a small country like Armenia.

This caused questions and heated discussions. Meanwhile, Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan explained that this difference in data is due to the phased implementation of the Armed system, launched by the Ministry of Health.

“Now we are studying which statistical data, and at which stages of implementation of the system, remained outside our electronic statistical system”, she said.

To clarify the circumstances of the case, by order of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, an official investigation is underway, which will be continued by the prosecutor’s office. It is aimed at finding out what caused the difference in numbers – deliberate actions of specific individuals or technical problems. Despite the fact that the problem was identified back in October, there is still no official information two months later.

Over the past three months, a number of restrictions have been introduced in Armenia to prevent the spread of the virus.

1. By a decision that entered into force on October 1, unvaccinated workers were required to present employer with a certificate confirming a negative result of a PCR test every 14 days. The cost of the test are to be covered by the employee.

Only those fully or once vaccinated, those who have serious contraindications to vaccination and pregnant women can be allowed to work without a negative test result.

Those who have not submitted the relevant documents on time are forbidden from going to their workplace. The employer has the right to fire employees for a certain number of unworked days.

2. From November 1, it once again became obligatory to wear a mask on the street.

3. From December 1, employees must submit a negative PCR test for coronavirus to the employer every seven days.

4. Another measure is expected – from January 1, 2022, “citizens can visit places of public catering and cultural events only with a negative PCR test result or with a document confirming vaccination”. Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan announced the government’s intention to introduce such a regulation at the end of November, the corresponding project is currently being discussed.

All these measures forced some part of the population to get vaccinated. The numbers of new cases per day, as well as deaths, have also decreased.

However, the introduction of restrictions as well as the fact that they did not apply to high-ranking officials caused discontent, which was accompanied by protests.

Simultaneously with these regulations, the country was discussing the draft law “On Civil Service”, according to which a number of high-ranking officials were on the list of exceptions and did not have to submit a negative PCR test result or a vaccination certificate. It includes, in particular, the president of the country, deputies of parliament, the prime minister, heads of local self-government bodies, the ombudsman and the judges of the Constitutional Court.

The differentiated approach to ordinary residents of the country and officials has become a reason for protests.

In response, the Ministry of Justice issued an official explanation, on “why the dismissal rule cannot be applied to some officials if they do not submit a vaccination document or PCR test”:

“Deputies to the National Assembly are elected by the people, the president of the republic, human rights defender, members of independent bodies, etc. – by the National Assembly. In turn, the powers of judges are terminated on limited grounds provided for by the constitution, the prime minister, who is appointed as a result of constitutional processes, does not actually have a higher authority that would dismiss him or appoint him to this position, and so on.

Therefore, even if one wants to, it will be impossible to apply this consequence to the aforementioned persons, that is, to dismiss them from their jobs on this basis”.

However, this approach is not shared not only by many residents of Armenia, but also by the ombudsman himself, who is included in the list of exceptions.

“I consider these exceptions to be erroneous, I think this is a discriminatory approach. I think this violates the legal purpose of the law. We cannot explain to citizens why some officials were released from restrictions. If the goal is to protect the health of the population, then it should be noted that the members of the Council of Elders included in this list communicate more with people than an employee of any department in their office”, said human rights defender Arman Tatoyan.

These controversial and divisive approaches have spurred the anti-vaccination campaign. It is noteworthy that a significant part of its leaders occupy prominent positions in parliamentary and extra-parliamentary opposition structures.

However, many of them do not oppose the vaccination process itself, but rather the compulsion to vaccinate. They position themselves as defenders of human rights and the _expression_ of free will. Thus, the medical problem moves to the political field.

To be more persuasive, anti-vaccination campaigners from political circles are actively recruiting doctors.

On September 10, ex-president and leader of the Hayastan (Armenia) political bloc, Robert Kocharian criticized compulsory vaccination:

“Vaccination should be a voluntary decision of everyone, not the result of coercion. A differentiated approach to those who occupy political positions is also unacceptable”.

The name of Dr. Gevorg Grigoryan can often be found among those who actively advocate against vaccination. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Rodina Foundation, established by the former head of the National Security Service Artur Vanetsyan.

The doctor recruited a small team and launched the COVID-19 Armenia: Fact-Finding Group campaign. This Facebook page often posts unfounded criticism of the authorities.

One of the leaders of the anti-vaccination campaign is the head of the Zartonk National Christian Party, lawyer Ara Zohrabyan, who is speaking against compulsory vaccination. Within the framework of the Free Will project, a few months ago he applied to the administrative court with a demand to invalidate legal acts and decisions of the Minister of Health.

Given the fact that a significant part of the Armenian media is concentrated in the hands of the opposition, they also play an important role in the anti-vaccination propaganda.

As a result, the health problem in Armenia is transforming into a political one, where the main players in the anti-vaccination campaign are tasked with proving the government’s failure in preventing the spread of pandemic and in implementing an effective vaccination process.


For the other countries, please click on the link below:


Serious threats to democracy: Ombudsman comments on situation with Armenia’s local self-government bodies

Garo Vardanian
Panorama, Armenia
Dec 17 2021

Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) Arman Tatoyan commented on the situation with local self-government bodies of Armenia, noting that the recent developments are fraught with serious threats to one of the key principles of democracy – the right to elect and be elected.

In a public post on Facebook late on Thursday, the ombudsman stated that the actions against the local government officials elected by the people set a dangerous precedent.

The public is either not provided with proper explanations or no explanations at all, he stated.

“All this is mainly covered up by "political processes" or "criminal proceedings," setting a dangerous precedent,” the ombudsman noted.

Tatoyan highlighted that the right to vote in local elections is guaranteed by Article 48 of the Armenian Constitution and the international commitments of the country.

“The right to vote is the cornerstone of democracy, and that's it,” he said.

The ombudsman’s comments came after the arrest of Mamikon Aslanyan, a former mayor of Vanadzor, whose bloc defeated Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract party in this month’s local elections, gaining 39 percent of the vote. He has been charged with abuse of power and fraud.

Meeting between PM Pashinyan and members of “My step” faction of Yerevan Council of Elders ends

Garo Vardanian

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 19:53,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. The meeting between Prime Minister of Armenia NIkol Pashinyan and members of “My step” faction of Yerevan Council of Elders has ended at the headquarters of the "Civil Contract" party. ARMENPRESS reports PM Pashinyan left the office together with chairman of the Board of the "Civil Contract" party, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan.

According to some media reports, the issue of initiating motion of no confidence in Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan.

One of Armenia’s largest archeological gold collections on display at ‘The Gold of Metsamor’ exhibition

Garo Vardanian
Panorama, Armenia
Dec 15 2021

CULTURE 12:26 15/12/2021 ARMENIA

The international conference entitled “Metsamorian Readings-2” started at Metsamor Historical-Archeological Museum-Reserve on Wednesday morning. Then the temporary exhibition of “The Gold of Metsamor”, which is implemented within the framework of “The Secret of the Land” program of the Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, kicked off, the Service for the Protection of Historical Environment and Cultural Museum-Reserves SNCO reported.

One of the largest collections of archaeological gold in Armenia, discovered as a result of regular excavations from the 1960s to the present day, is on display at the exhibition “The Gold of Metsamor”. The pendants made of gold plate, beads, decorative buttons, necklace, fibulas and other artefacts are included in the collection. Museum artefacts made of agate, cornelian, sardonyx, amber are also on display. A one and a half turn spiral hairpin gold is very unique which has been found in Armenia.

The international conference entitled “Metsamorian Readings” is dedicated to the results of the excavations carried out in Metsamor archeological site in 2017-2021.

Ashot Piliposyan, scientific secretary of the Protection Service SNCO, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Pavel Avetisyan, Director of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of Armenia’s National Academy of Sciences (NAS), Hayk Avetisyan, Head of Chair, Doctor of History, Professor / Chair of Archaeology and Ethnography, were among the conference speakers.

International court orders Armenia and Azerbaijan to curb racial hatred

Garo Vardanian
EurasiaNet.org
Dec 8 2021
Joshua Kucera Dec 8, 2021
Azerbaijani deminers clear territory retaken in last year's war with Armenia. (photo: ANAMA)

An international court has ordered Armenia and Azerbaijan to “prevent the incitement and promotion of racial hatred” against one another, and for Azerbaijan to protect Armenian cultural sites on its territory and to ensure the safety of Armenian prisoners who remain in its custody more than a year after the end of last year’s war.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague declined, however, to order the more concrete requests from the respective sides: from Armenia, that Azerbaijan release the prisoners and shut down a racist post-war “military trophy park,” and from Azerbaijan that Armenia hand over all maps of the land mines it has laid on Azerbaijani territory.

The rulings were made in response to twin lawsuits in the court, both filed in September, alleging violations of the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD). The court is likely to take years to weigh in with a final ruling on the claims, but on December 7 issued its response to each side’s request for provisional measures that the other should take in order to prevent urgent continuing harm.

It is unclear what the practical impact of the provisional measures will be, as neither side acknowledges that it is promoting racial hatred, while Azerbaijan denies that the cultural sites in question are in danger (or sometimes that they are Armenian at all) and that it is abusing the prisoners. There is in effect no enforcement mechanism to ensure that the sides carry out the measures ordered of them.

Both sides presented the rulings as a victory.

The court “granted almost all the provisional measures requested by Armenia against Azerbaijan, and rejected the majority of Azerbaijan’s requested measures,” Armenia’s representative at the ICJ, Yeghishe Kirakosyan, wrote on Twitter. “Armenia welcomes the orders and looks forward to their practical implementation by Azerbaijan and its high-ranking officials.”

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that it would comply with the measures related to racial discrimination, “which reaffirm existing treaty obligations that Azerbaijan takes seriously and is committed to upholding.”

Baku’s statement did not acknowledge the provisional measure on Armenian cultural sites, instead focusing on the positive: “With respect to the Court’s indication of provisional measures requested by Armenia, we note that the measures related to repatriation of detainees, as well as the closure of the Trophy Park in Baku, requested by Armenia have been rightfully rejected by the Court.”

The CERD is one of the few treaties to which both Armenia and Azerbaijan are both parties, making it a rare international forum in which they could potentially find legal support for the various post-war grievances they hold against one another. Accordingly, each side sought to present its case in terms of racial discrimination.

On the issue of the Armenian prisoners, the court ruled it was not “plausible” – one of the key legal tests to determine whether a provisional measure is warranted – that they remained in custody because of their national or ethnic origin. It did, though, say that the inhuman and degrading treatment that the Armenian side documented was plausibly the result of the prisoners’ origin. Similarly, it found plausible the claim that Armenians’ rights were being violated by Azerbaijan’s vandalization and desecration of Armenian cultural heritage sites.

As for the trophy park, the court’s ruling suggested that the Azerbaijani government had already taken steps to remove the most offensive exhibits – a move that had not been previously acknowledged by Baku.

On October 15, about a month after Armenia filed its suit with the ICJ, Azerbaijani news website Mikroskop reported that models depicting Armenian soldiers using stereotyped facial features, as well as a display of helmets purportedly from Armenian soldiers killed during the war, had been removed from the park. A park official told Mikroskop that the removal was only temporary, for repairs.

But Azerbaijan’s lawyers at the ICJ said that the removal was in fact permanent.

“[T]he Court takes full cognizance of the representation made by the Agent of Azerbaijan during the oral proceedings regarding these exhibits, namely that mannequins depicting Armenian soldiers and displays of helmets allegedly worn by Armenian soldiers during the 2020 Conflict have been permanently removed from the park and will not be shown in the future,” the court wrote in its ruling. The court was shown two letters from the director of the park which reportedly indicated that “[t]he mannequins and helmets will not be displayed at the Military Trophy Park or the Memorial Complex/Museum in the future.”

On the issue of the mine maps, the court also ruled that Armenia’s actions or inactions vis-à-vis planting land mines did not fall under the CERD’s remit.

“The claims relating to rights/obligations deemed not plausible under CERD at this phase (POW release, landmine removal) remain part of the case but face a (very) uphill battle going forward,” tweeted Mike Becker, an international lawyer at Trinity College, Dublin.

Also deemed plausible by the court were Azerbaijan’s claims with respect to “Armenia’s failure to condemn the activities within its territory of groups that, according to Azerbaijan, are armed ethnonationalist hate groups that incite violence against ethnic Azerbaijanis.” In its complaint, Azerbaijan had singled out one particular group, the paramilitary organization VoMA.

“The big take-home for Armenia is the protection of cultural sites. No big take-home for Azerbaijan, but it did get the order on Armenia to prevent racial hate speech in its territory,” tweeted another human rights lawyer, Gabriel Armas-Cardona of the University of Leipzig. “This was always going to be hard for Azerbaijan. CERD is an old-school territory-based human rights treaty. Now that Armenia doesn't control any territory in dispute, Azerbaijan doesn't have much it can claim under CERD,” he added.

“We are really happy with the court’s decision,” Sheila Paylan, an international law expert who advised the Armenian side in the lawsuit, told Eurasianet. “Even though they didn’t specifically order the release of the [prisoners of war], a large majority of the judges affirmed that their rights need to be preserved and that there is cause for concern.”

In the longer term, however, the roughly parallel rulings could benefit Azerbaijan, said Kamal Makili-Aliyev, an international lawyer at Malmö University. Makili-Aliyev has argued that Armenia’s case could have implications, under the emerging “responsibility to protect” doctrine, for the Armenian side’s efforts to gain international recognition for Nagorno-Karabakh, the territory at the heart of the conflict between the two sides.

The recent ruling makes that less likely, he told Eurasianet.

“The court acknowledged that there is a possibility that CERD was violated by both parties,” he said. “This weakens the Armenian hand somewhat, because 'responsibility to protect' is policy (not law) and relies on higher moral claims. If Armenia is also found to be in breach of the CERD, its moral claims are substantially diminished.”

 

With additional reporting by Ani Mejlumyan.