Article: Demonstrations in support of Armenians fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh: a cry of solidarity in the face of a humanitarian crisis
Recent developments in the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh have caused great concern and emotion across the world. Last Sunday, thousands of people gathered in France and Belgium to express their support for Armenians who fled the region after its recapture by Azerbaijan. These demonstrations were an opportunity for participants to denounce the silence of the international community and to demand stronger action to protect refugees and stop the violence.
In Brussels, the Belgian capital, thousands of Armenians from several European countries gathered to denounce what they see as European complicity in the conflict. The demonstrators accused the European Union of turning a blind eye to the tragedy of the Armenians in exchange for the purchase of Azerbaijani gas. Signs held up at the demonstration expressed the feeling that the EU had sold “2000 years of Armenian civilization for Azeri gas”. Organizers estimate around 10,000 people attended.
In France, solidarity rallies took place in several cities, including Marseille, Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand and Châteauroux. In Marseille, more than a thousand people gathered to express their support for the Armenians. The city’s mayor, Benoît Payan, denounced the “betrayal” of Europe by calling for the assets of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev to be blocked. In Lyon, around 500 people took part in the demonstration, expressing their expectation for a stronger reaction from France and the European Union to the alarming situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.
These gatherings reflect the extent of international concern and solidarity towards the Nagorno-Karabakh refugees. Protesters demanded that the international community take concrete measures to protect civilians and end the violence. They also called for clear condemnation of the Azerbaijani government and sanctions against those responsible for this violence.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has become an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with thousands of people displaced and limited access to humanitarian assistance. It is essential that the international community act quickly to support refugees, facilitate their safe repatriation and restore stability to the region.
In conclusion, these large-scale demonstrations of solidarity demonstrate the urgency of international action in the face of the crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. It is essential that the international community take concrete measures to protect civilians, stop the violence and facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Such action is necessary to prevent an even more serious deterioration of the humanitarian situation and to support displaced people in their quest for security and justice.