President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars Labels Azerbaijan’s Actions in Nagorno-Karabakh as Genocide

YEREVAN – Melanie O’Brien, President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, has asserted that Azerbaijan committed war crimes and crimes against humanity against the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.

In an interview with Armenpress during the 5th Global Forum “Against the Crime of Genocide,” O’Brien was asked whether Azerbaijan’s actions in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023 could be classified as genocide. She explained that all major international crimes—war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide—had occurred in Nagorno-Karabakh in various contexts and at different times.

“There were war crimes because there was a conflict. We have crimes against humanity committed against the civilian population as part of a widespread or coordinated attack. You can certainly argue that this was happening against the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh,” she emphasized.

Regarding ethnic cleansing in September 2023, O’Brien noted that “ethnic cleansing” is not a recognized legal term under international law.

“It does not actually exist as a crime in the statute or treaty of the International Criminal Court. One of our challenges is defining it in a way that allows for prosecution. For example, we can call the deportation of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh a crime against humanity, which would enable the International Criminal Court to have jurisdiction over that crime. The people of Nagorno-Karabakh simply fled to Armenia,” she explained.

O’Brien highlighted that acts of genocide were evident even before the ethnic cleansing of September 2023.

“When we think about genocide, we must also consider what happened during the siege of Nagorno-Karabakh. This includes the lack of food, healthcare, and medicine—conditions intended to cause physical destruction. Some people in Nagorno-Karabakh died of starvation. At the very least, we can say that genocide occurred in Nagorno-Karabakh before the ethnic cleansing of September 2023,” she said, acknowledging the difficulties in holding perpetrators accountable.

The scholar also stressed the importance of examining the broader context when discussing genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh.

“This includes Azerbaijani school textbooks filled with hate speech against Armenians. We have also witnessed the destruction of Armenian cultural heritage—monasteries, churches, and khachkars. Although there is no specific crime of cultural genocide, these acts contribute to the crime of genocide,” O’Brien concluded.

Speaking about the significance of the Global Forum “Against the Crime of Genocide,” O’Brien described it as a pivotal event. She emphasized that the forum unites individuals and organizations with a shared mission.

“That mission is the prevention and punishment of atrocities, including genocide,” O’Brien stated, expressing hope for expanded cooperation in future practical projects related to genocide prevention.

Addressing the role of small countries, including Armenia, in genocide prevention, O’Brien highlighted that a nation’s size does not limit its obligations under the Genocide Convention.

“Every country can be a party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and I encourage non-member states to join it. For instance, look at what some small countries are accomplishing now. Gambia has brought a case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice, and Nicaragua has brought a case against Germany. Any state can take action under the Convention as part of their obligations,” she explained.

O’Brien stressed that the power of small states should not be underestimated.
“Small states can also join the International Criminal Court and play an active role in arresting fugitives wanted by the Court. The size of a state doesn’t matter; they can take meaningful actions that contribute to preventing and punishing genocide,” she concluded.

Referring to Turkey’s continued refusal to recognize the Armenian Genocide, O’Brien remarked on Ankara’s persistent denial of the historical atrocity.

“Thinking in a broader context, let’s note that there has never been accountability for the Armenian Genocide, whether in a criminal court or through other mechanisms. This highlights why accountability is important—because it can help stop denial,” O’Brien explained.

“The Armenian Genocide has been recognized by several governments, including France, the United States, and many others. However, many countries, including my home country, Australia, have not recognized the Armenian Genocide. I believe this lack of recognition emboldens Turkey to continue its denial,” she stated.

O’Brien called on all states to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide as a means to counter Turkey’s narrative.

“Recognition is crucial to challenging denial and ensuring accountability,” she concluded.