Dear Diaspora Armenians,

Artsakh's 120,000 residents are under existential crisis and face threats of genocide by Azerbaijan.

On the morning of December 12, 2022, Azerbaijan blockaded movement along the Lachin corridor, the only road connecting Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) with Armenia and the world. The blockade has immobilized the everyday life of Artsakh's residents and subjected them to a humanitarian and economic crisis.

Vital institutions operating in Artsakh and its residents are being deprived of gas, heating, food, medication, and other life-sustaining supplies. 1,100 civilians, of which 270 are children, remain stuck on the road in harsh and cold weather conditions without access to water, food, or medical care.

As a result of the blockade, the lives of hospital patients and those in critical conditions needing medical attention are in danger.

Schools and kindergartens were forced to close due to Azerbaijan restricting Artsakh’s access to gas supply. As a result, nearly 22,000 children have lost their right to education.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is attempting to control the narrative and carry out information warfare as they have prevented the Armenian media from covering the inhumane situation in the Lachin corridor.

In this dire situation, we call on our Diaspora Armenians, international institutions and organizations, lobbying groups, and youth associations to:

• Raise your voice and demand the international community’s response
• Reach out to your elected officials by phone, letter, or social media to communicate that this issue is of high importance to you as their constituent and directly impacts your community
• Demand your local governments apply sanctions against Azerbaijan, preventing the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh’s Armenians
• Work with international and local media to help spread awareness of Azerbaijan’s violation of international human rights
• Stay active on social media platforms and share information about the current situation in Artsakh
• Mobilize your community to use methods of activism that have proven effective in the past
• Stand by Artsakh and it’s people