Armenian Assembly of America

🚨 TAKE ACTION: Urge your U.S. Representative to cosponsor H.R. 6840, the Armenia Security Partnership Act. 🔗 armenian-assembly.org/advocacy

100 Senators represent the American people—including you. They want to hear directly from their constituents. Join advocates from across the country in Washington, DC, April 14–15 for the Advocacy Summit and be part of the conversation. 🔗 Register: aaainc.org

From congressional meetings to community conversations, Assembly advocates in Houston came together to strengthen key priorities. Advocates met with staff for @RepWPH (R-TX) and with Kevin Koo, Senior Legislative Aide to @RepFletcher (D-TX). Participants also received a briefing from our team at St. Kevork Armenian Church in Houston, TX. Thank you to all who joined, and to Assembly Board Member David and Myrna Onanian for their hospitality. Join us in Washington, DC, April 14–15 for the Advocacy Summit. armenian-assembly.org/advocacy-summit

Complaint Filed In Switzerland Against SOCAR Trading Over Role In Financing Azerbaijan’s Forced Displacement Of Artsakh Armenians ➖➖➖ A complaint was filed in Switzerland on March 18 against SOCAR Trading, the Swiss-based subsidiary of Azerbaijan’s state oil company, accusing it of helping finance Azerbaijan’s campaign against the Armenian population of Artsakh and raising allegations tied to the September 2023 offensive that forcibly displaced nearly the region’s entire Armenian population. The complaint was submitted by the Committee for the Defense of the Fundamental Rights of the People of Artsakh, established by the Artsakh Parliament in December 2023, together with the Switzerland-Armenia Association. It was filed under the 2011 and 2023 OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, which set standards for responsible business conduct. Switzerland’s National Contact Point will now review the complaint and determine possible next steps and legal remedies. Following Azerbaijan’s lightning offensive and subsequent occupation of Artsakh on September 19, 2023, the ethnic Armenian enclave was formally dissolved on January 1, 2024. Faced with the prospect of rule by Azerbaijan, around 100,000 people, nearly the entire population of Artsakh, fled to Armenia within the span of a single week. According to the filing, SOCAR Trading contributed financially to a state accused of carrying out ethnic cleansing against the indigenous Armenian population of Artsakh. The complaint argues that through its financial and commercial activities, the company supported Azerbaijan’s state revenues and therefore had a responsibility to conduct human rights due diligence and address risks linked to its operations. Citing analyses by several authorities, including Luis Moreno Ocampo, the complainants state that Azerbaijan’s September 2023 military offensive, which led to the forced displacement of the region’s entire Armenian population, constituted ethnic cleansing and may amount to genocide. “The forced displacement of around 150,000 Armenians from their homeland constitutes one of the most serious humanitarian crises in the South Caucasus in recent decades,” said Karnig Kerkonian, an international lawyer and member of the Committee. “Companies that financially support the state responsible cannot ignore their obligations under international standards.” Swiss Mandate for Peace in Artsakh During a press conference in Geneva, the complainants recalled that one year ago both chambers of the Swiss Federal Assembly adopted a motion instructing the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs to organize a peace forum between Azerbaijan and representatives of the people of Artsakh. A year later, such a forum has not yet been convened. The Committee and its partners expressed hope that Swiss authorities will implement the parliamentary mandate, which they believe could contribute to building a just and lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. “Switzerland should actively engage in protecting indigenous peoples and ensuring their right to self-determination as guaranteed by the United Nations Charter,” said Sarkis Shahinian, honorary president of the Switzerland-Armenia Association. “A lasting peace cannot be built on ethnic cleansing,” said Joel Veldkamp of Christian Solidarity International, who also warned that the new conflict involving Iran highlights the urgency of long-term peace and security in the strategically vital South Caucasus. Actions at the United Nations Human Rights Council At the same time, two members of the Committee are participating in the annual session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. Speaking through accredited non-governmental organizations, they drew attention to several issues, including the continued detention of Armenian prisoners in Baku, Azerbaijan’s refusal to comply with the International Court of Justice ruling of November 17, 2023, calling for the safe return of Artsakh Armenians, and the ongoing destruction of Armenian cultural and religious heritage in the region.

We thank @Rep_Magaziner (D-RI) for cosponsoring H.R. 6840, The Armenia Security Partnership Act. The bill requires Azerbaijan to withdraw from Armenian territory, release all Armenian hostages, end hostilities, protect cultural heritage, and recognize the right of return to Nagorno-Karabakh. It also bars any waiver of Section 907—ensuring U.S. funds cannot enable Azerbaijani aggression. Take action: aaainc.org/advocacy

My interview to @FRANCE24 flagship show by @mperelman : Aliyev himself is a Nazi leader, he's committed genocide against our ppl. The Aug8 declaration says nothing about the rights, security or status of the Nagorno-Karabakh 150K ppl or Armenian hostages. france24.com/en/tv-shows/t%…

46 Members of Congress are calling for action. Led by Rep. Frank Pallone and the Congressional Armenian Caucus, a bipartisan letter urges the House Appropriations Committee to: • Strengthen Armenia’s security • Secure the release of Armenian hostages • Hold Azerbaijan accountable Congress must stand for peace, justice, and stability in the region. 🔗 Read more: aaainc.org

Read more about the proposed funding: pallone.house.gov/sites/evo-subs…

Armenia and the U.S. are cooperating more than ever before, and it's important we get this cooperation right. That's why I led 46 of my colleagues in requesting robust FY27 funding for U.S-Armenia security cooperation, responsible U.S. involvement in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, and measures to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its war crimes in Artsakh and human rights violations.

What should a strategic partner sound like? These are just a few direct public statements by Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev about Armenians. Rhetoric from national leaders shapes policy, public attitudes, and regional stability. Can you trust a tyrant? Click to read the quotes.

Join the Armenian Assembly of America on Sunday, March 22nd, at St. Sarkis Armenian Orthodox Church following Divine Liturgy for an Advocacy Briefing in Dallas, Texas. Learn more about our policy priorities and upcoming Advocacy Summit. RSVP 🔗wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblin…

💐 Happy International Women’s Day Today, we celebrate women who inspire us. Their leadership, advocacy, and dedication strengthen our community. Swipe to meet three remarkable leaders advancing our mission — and join us in pushing pro-Armenian advocacy forward. 🔗 Become a member: aaainc.org

As war unfolds in Iran, concern is growing for civilians across the country—including the historic Armenian community that has lived there for centuries. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the violence and uncertainty. Read more: armenian-assembly.org/post/fact-shee…

🚨 TAKE ACTION: Urge your U.S. Representative to sign the Armenian Caucus FY27 letter to the House Appropriations Committee supporting Armenia’s security, humanitarian aid for displaced Armenians from Artsakh, and the release of Armenian hostages in Baku. 🔗 armenian-assembly.org/advocacy

A wonderful weekend at St. Nerses Shnorhali Armenian Apostolic Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Director of Development & Membership Mary Jo Bazarian joined the ACYOA Seniors program on Friday and the church’s 2nd Anniversary of Consecration celebration on Sunday. FT Member and former Assembly Co-Chair and Board Member Carl Bazarian shared his experience as a passenger on the Miracle on the Hudson flight.

The Armenian Assembly of America is proud to welcome Armen V. Sahakyan, Armenia Country Director, and Sophia Badalian, Public Relations & Digital Engagement Manager. Strengthening our presence in both Yerevan and Washington, D.C., we are increasing our advocacy and engagement efforts. Since joining the Assembly: 🎙 Armen has already represented the Assembly in Armenia, including joining a discussion hosted by InfoCom to speak about Diaspora relations and Armenian American advocacy priorities. 🏛 Sophia has engaged on Capitol Hill at the Emergency Summit on Crimes Against Christians, organized by March for the Martyrs, and helped bring together Armenian Americans in Washington at our recent Winter Assembly Social. We are excited for what’s ahead! Read more at aaainc.org

We thank @RepAuchincloss (D-MA) for cosponsoring H.R. 6840, The Armenia Security Partnership Act. The bill requires Azerbaijan to withdraw from Armenian territory, release all Armenian hostages, end hostilities, protect cultural heritage, and recognize the right of return to Nagorno-Karabakh. It also bars any waiver of Section 907—ensuring U.S. funds cannot enable Azerbaijani aggression. Take action: aaainc.org/advocacy

🚨 The Advocacy Summit Scholarship deadline is MIDNIGHT. If you are an Armenian American college student, this is your final opportunity to apply for the chance to travel to Washington, D.C. and participate in the 2026 Armenian Assembly Advocacy Summit. Join advocates from across the country on April 14–15 and make a direct impact on pro-Armenian policies on Capitol Hill. Apply now. Don’t miss your chance. 🔗 armenian-assembly.org/advocacy-schol…

Hundreds of Armenians were murdered in the Sumgait massacres of 1988. These were orchestrated acts of violence that escalated and eventually resulted in the tragic depopulation of Armenians from Artsakh in 2023.   Forgetting the victims of these crimes allows them to be repeated. As Azerbaijan continues to hold Armenians captive in Baku, I'm calling upon the Aliyev regime to cease its hostile, anti-Armenian rhetoric and actions.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Winter Assembly Social! ❄️ Stay tuned for more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and continue our mission. Applications for the Armenian Assembly Advocacy Summit Scholarship are due by March 2. 🔗 Apply now at armenian-assembly.org/advocacy-schol…

Today, AGBU remembers the barbaric Sumgait pogrom tragedy in 1988. Unfortunately, the violence from 38 years ago has since served as a precursor to anti-Armenian rhetoric in the following decades. The Armenian people have always and will continue to stand firm against hatred.