Demanding the Immediate Release of Ruben Vardanyan and All Illegally Detained!

We, the undersigned, urgently implore the government of Azerbaijan for the swift and unconditional release of Ruben Vardanyan, an esteemed philanthropist and former State Minister of the Republic of Artsakh, amidst the ongoing conflict and human tragedy unfolding between Azerbaijan and Armenia. His detention on September 27, 2023, along with the illegal detentions of other Artsakh's former and current officials and civilians, has garnered international condemnation. The grievous situation warrants our collective voice, advocating for humanitarianism, justice, and harmony during such tumultuous periods.

 

 

 

 

The Ongoing Crisis:

In September 2023, over 100,000 ethnic Armenians were forced to flee their homes in Artsakh due to a military campaign initiated by Azerbaijan to assert control over the breakaway enclave. This operation came after 10 months of blockade and resulted in the rapid defeat of the Republic of Artsakh, following a mass exodus of Armenians. EU parliament has already stated that this situation amounts to ethnic cleansing, calling to sanction Azerbaijani officials. The displaced families have sought refuge in the Republic of Armenia, with many expressing a deep-seated fear of returning to their homes even when the Azerbaijani government claims that their rights will be guaranteed. This refugee crisis underscores the ongoing hostility in the region, where previous displacements and loss of life have created a pervasive atmosphere of dread and uncertainty.

About Ruben Vardanyan: A Benevolent Force in Global Progress

Ruben Vardanyan, serving as the State Minister of the Republic of Artsakh from November 4, 2022, until February 23, 2023, has been a lighthouse of benevolence and impactful change. His investment in large-scale projects globally has woven a tapestry of advancements in socio-economic development (IDeA Foundation, Tatev Revival Foundation),  global education (UWC Dilijan, Scholae Mundi), and humanitarian problem-solving (Aurora Foundation, We Are Our Mountains), shedding light on possibilities and prosperous pathways amid adversities.

 

 

 

Ruben Vardanyan and Marguerite Barankitse, Burundian humanitarian activist, participating in the Ararat Challenge initiated by the Aurora Prize

 

As 120,000 Armenians faced adversity in Artsakh after the 2020 Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, Vardanyan's unyielding commitment shone brightly. Opting for solidarity over comfort, he lived in Artsakh, enduring alongside its residents. His choice to stand with the Armenians of Artsakh through 10 months of blockade, despite having the means to reside anywhere, underlines his unwavering dedication to peace and human welfare. His illegal detention is a stark contradiction to the values he embodies: unity, compassion, and progress. We fervently call for his immediate release, emphasizing his role as a beacon for global humanitarianism.

Why Every Signature is Vital:

• A Beacon for Humanity: Vardanyan, through his comprehensive humanitarian deeds, has been a conduit for alleviating societal challenges on a global scale, weaving a net of protection, opportunity, and hope where it is most needed.
• Safeguarding Peace: Vardanyan’s actions through organizations like UWC, recognized with a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022, have epitomized the spirit of peace, bringing people together even amidst divergent backgrounds and conflicts.
• Upholding Human Rights: The illegal detention of Ruben Vardanyan, David Babayan, other former and current Artsakh officials and unprotected civilians are antithetical to the spirit of concord, dialogue, and human decency, demanding our united voice for their release and the ceaseless pursuit of diplomatic resolutions.

Conclusion:

Your signature matters. Every voice that joins this chorus amplifies our collective stand for humanitarianism, justice, and a future where principles of unity and commonality dismantle barriers and conflicts. The release of Ruben Vardanyan, David Babayan and all other Armenians unlawfully detained by Azerbaijan would not merely be a triumph of justice over arbitrariness but also a beacon of potential reconciliation and forward momentum towards peace amid an entrenched conflict.

We urge you to continue taking action to promote human rights at every level appropriate by ensuring your employer, educational institution, or other organization is not in any relationship with any individual or company supporting the human rights violations perpetrated against the Armenians. We urge you to continue fighting for an accurate and fair representation of the situation and the history of Armenians. Sign this petition and embody the principles of a united, compassionate, and peaceful global community.

 

Links to the articles talking about the detentions:

• Ruben Vardanyan's son on CNN
• The Guardian
• Reuters
• POLITICO
• BBC
• France 24
• Al Arabiya
• Financial Times
• Independent
• Eurasianet
• Meduza

Just some of more than 700 beneficiary projects and initiatives:

 

 

 

 

• Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• UWC Dilijan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• The Future Armenian
• Wings of Tatev 
• Matena International School of Leadership
• The Scholae Mundi Armenia Charity Foundation
• The ARMENIA 2041 Foundation
• Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST)
• IDeA Charitable Foundation
• Tourism and Urbanism Foundation (TUF)
• Move2Armenia 
• We Are Our Mountains 
• The SKOLKOVO School of Management