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To: Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York

We, the undersigned members of the Azerbaijani American community, express serious concern about your public statement marking April 24, 2026, regarding the South Caucasus conflict.

We believe the statement offers a one-sided, in key respects misleading portrayal of the conflict, overlooks established principles of international law—including sovereignty, territorial integrity, and recognized borders—and fails to acknowledge the full scope of suffering experienced by Azerbaijani civilians. Such framing risks creating the impression of selective application of universal human rights principles and unequal recognition of victims, which may contribute to misunderstanding and division.

At a time when meaningful steps are being taken toward normalization between Azerbaijan and Armenia, such statements risk undermining fragile diplomatic progress. Constructive dialogue and lasting peace require balanced, responsible, and fact-based communication.

During the first Karabakh war, Azerbaijani civilians experienced large-scale forcible displacement affecting approximately one million people, along with the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and cultural and religious sites, and the loss of thousands of lives. The Khojaly tragedy of February 1992 — in which hundreds of Azerbaijani civilians were killed during the evacuation of the town — remains one of the most devastating and widely documented events of that period and deserves acknowledgment in any honest and comprehensive discussion of the conflict.

During the second Karabakh war, Azerbaijani cities—including Ganja, Barda, and Terter—were struck by missiles and artillery, causing civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. International media, including The New York Times, reported these incidents, and organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch documented them. Reports of mistreatment, torture, and the execution of detainees and captives further underscore the need for accountability and impartial assessment of actions by all sides.
Focusing selectively on certain aspects of the conflict risks creating an incomplete and potentially misleading picture. A credible public narrative must acknowledge both historical and recent developments to ensure that the suffering of all victims is recognized.

At the same time, lasting peace depends on coexistence and mutual respect. Armenians have the right to live safely and with dignity in these regions, as reflected in official statements and proposals regarding reintegration. Ensuring the rights, security, and inclusion of all communities is essential for long-term stability.
Recent developments in the Karabakh region, including the departure of Armenian residents, as well as ongoing negotiations, require careful, fact-based evaluation. International frameworks—including those referenced by the United Nations Security Council (Resolutions 822, 853, 874, and 884)—have reaffirmed respect for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

In addition, findings from a recent assessment by the United Nations mission to Karabakh (October 2, 2023) indicated that the team did not observe reported incidents of violence against civilians following the ceasefire and did not identify damage to civilian infrastructure in the areas visited. Reuters also reported that the mission did not observe damage to hospitals, schools, or other key civilian sites. Such observations underscore the importance of relying on verified, on-the-ground assessments when discussing sensitive developments.
Public discourse on these issues should reflect complexity, uphold international law, and contribute to reconciliation rather than division.

Our Request

We respectfully urge you to:

• Issue a revised public statement that reflects an objective, fact-based, and comprehensive understanding of the conflict, including the experiences of all affected communities.
• Acknowledge the suffering of Azerbaijani civilians alongside that of other communities, ensuring equal and consistent acknowledgment of all victims.
• Retract or clarify any assertions regarding events in Karabakh in 2023 that are not supported by verified, on-the-ground evidence, including the findings of the UN mission.
• Avoid one-sided or incomplete characterizations that may contribute to misunderstanding or increased tensions.
• Affirm the principles of coexistence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the universal and equal application of human rights.
• Engage with Azerbaijani-American community representatives to ensure that your office has access to a full and balanced understanding of this conflict before issuing future statements.

We extend this letter in a spirit of constructive dialogue and shared commitment to human rights, accuracy, and peace.

References

• The New York Times — In Azerbaijan, a String of Explosions, Screams and Then Blood (2020)
• United Nations (Official Release) — UN team completes mission to Karabakh (Oct 2, 2023)
• Reuters — UN team in Nagorno-Karabakh did not see damage to hospitals, schools (2023)
• Amnesty International - Armenia/Azerbaijan: First confirmed use of cluster munitions by Armenia ‘cruel and reckless’
• Human Rights Watch — Azerbaijan: Cluster Munitions Used in Nagorno-Karabakh (2020)