The Office of the Ombudsman for the Artsakh Republic`s Heritage Issues called on UNESCO to take concrete action to protect the cultural heritage of Artsakh.

ArmInfo. The Artsakh Ombudsman's Office called on UNESCO to take concrete action to protect the historical and cultural values of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR).

The Office's statement on its Facebook page stated that, at the initiative of the NKR Ombudsman's Office, detailed information and factual materials were sent to the Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center, Lazar Eloundou Assomo, and the Center's Deputy Director, Jyoti Hosagrahari, on documented cases of destruction and damage to cultural heritage, its appropriation, and distortion of historical identity in Artsakh by Azerbaijan since the 2020 war.

"The presented materials documented and systematized the problems associated with the preservation of Artsakh's historical and cultural heritage." Particular attention is paid to actions against Armenian churches, monasteries, khachkars, cemeteries, memorial complexes, and other important testaments to historical memory. The purpose of presenting these materials is to draw the attention of international professional and competent bodies to the ongoing threats looming over Artsakh's cultural heritage, to facilitate a proper study of documented cases, and to ensure the adoption of concrete and effective measures aimed at preserving cultural values," the Office of the Ombudsman for Cultural Heritage of the NKR stated.

It is further noted that Azerbaijan's ongoing actions against Artsakh's cultural heritage raise serious questions regarding the readiness of international organizations to fulfill their obligations, as well as the consistency and effectiveness of their activities. "Despite repeated statements about the importance of protecting cultural heritage, the response of international organizations is often not accompanied by equally prompt, practical, and effective measures that could prevent the irreparable loss of historical and cultural treasures," the Office of the Ombudsman for Cultural Heritage of the NKR noted.

In this regard, they recalled that the mission of international organizations cannot be limited to expressing concern, disseminating statements, or reaffirming universal principles for the protection of cultural heritage. "These principles acquire practical significance only when they are backed by consistent monitoring, independent expert research, preventive actions, and measures aimed at ensuring legal accountability." "An insufficient response from international organizations, delayed intervention, and a lack of practical steps could lead to grave and irreversible consequences for the cultural heritage of Artsakh," the organization emphasized.

Considering the above, the Office of the Ombudsman for Cultural Heritage of the NKR called on UNESCO and other competent international organizations to conduct independent and ongoing monitoring to assess the current state of cultural heritage sites located in the territory of Artsakh temporarily occupied by Azerbaijan and to document ongoing changes. Furthermore, they called for independent expert missions to be granted access to the relevant territories to study the actual condition of monuments, document the damage caused, and assess the measures necessary for their preservation.

"We also call for the publication of expert opinions and documented data on documented cases of destruction and damage to cultural heritage, its appropriation, and distortion of historical identity." Take necessary preventive and protective measures within the framework of international law and the powers of relevant bodies to prevent further loss of cultural heritage. Ensure proper legal assessment and consideration of responsibility for actions committed against cultural heritage, in accordance with applicable international law. And publicly report on the steps taken and the results achieved, ensuring the transparency and accountability of international bodies," the organization noted. The destruction of historical memory must not become another silent page of international indifference. Protecting cultural heritage requires not only promises but also actions, not only concern but also responsibility. Silence does not save monuments, and a delayed response cannot restore irrevocably lost historical treasures. "The protection of Artsakh's cultural heritage is the responsibility of the international community, and its preservation is a responsibility to history, justice, and future generations," the NKR Cultural Heritage Ombudsman's Office concluded.

As a reminder, Joyti Khosagrakar, Deputy Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center at the Matenadaran, responded to an Armenian journalist's request to assess the destruction of Artsakh's heritage by stating that she was unaware of any instances of Azerbaijani destruction of Armenian churches in Artsakh.