Condemning Azerbaijan's blockade of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) and ongoing human rights violations.
The bill encourages the United States government and international organizations to take a more active role in investigating allegations of war crimes by Azerbaijani forces and calls for the immediate suspension of any military or security assistance to Azerbaijan. Additionally, it supports the imposition of sanctions against Azerbaijani officials responsible for the blockade and other human rights violations. By urging international bodies to intervene, the resolution seeks to establish a framework for accountability and promote sustainable peace in the region, thus impacting the foreign policy approach of the United States concerning Azerbaijan and Armenia.
House Resolution 108, introduced on February 8, 2023, aims to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis resulting from Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor to Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh). The resolution condemns the actions of the Azerbaijani government, specifically its blockade that has prevented essential goods from reaching approximately 120,000 Armenian residents, including a significant number of vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. The resolution outlines the severe implications of this blockade on the livelihoods and well-being of the affected population, exacerbating an already precarious situation following the armed conflict in 2020.
HR108 addresses significant contentious points that stem from differing perspectives on the situation in Artsakh. Supporters of the resolution argue that the Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law and is an act of ethnic cleansing towards the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh. Conversely, some may perceive this resolution as an unnecessary escalation that could complicate diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan, a key regional player. The call for sanctions and military assistance suspensions might also spark debate about the effectiveness and repercussions of such measures with respect to regional stability.