New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR94

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Recognizes Armenian Genocide and condemns attacks against civilians in Republic of Artsakh.

Note

Ultimately, ACR94 serves as a dual purpose in both recognizing the suffering endured by the Armenian people historically and advocating for modern-day rights and recognition of the Republic of Artsakh, marking a pivotal stance for the state legislature in matters of human rights and historical acknowledgment.

Impact

The resolution calls for several actions from the state of New Jersey, which include commemorating the Armenian Genocide, rejecting any attempts to deny such historical events, and encouraging educational initiatives to enhance public understanding of these atrocities. It articulates a clear stance in support of the Republic of Artsakh's right to self-determination and independence. The bill represents a significant step for New Jersey in aligning its policies with broader historical recognitions made on a national level, including those by the U.S. Congress and President Biden.

Summary

ACR94 is a Concurrent Resolution introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, aimed at recognizing the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923. The bill outlines the atrocities faced by the Armenian people during this period, citing that approximately 1.5 million Armenians perished due to systematic persecution, including deportations, torture, and mass killings. This resolution serves not only as a historical acknowledgment but also as a condemnation of the ongoing attacks against Armenian civilians in the Republic of Artsakh by Azerbaijan, supported by Turkey.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding ACR94 revolves around the ongoing geopolitical conflict involving Armenia, Artsakh, and Azerbaijan. While the resolution emphasizes the importance of remembering the past, it also faces opposition from groups that may align with Azerbaijani interests or those who deny the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The bill seeks to reinforce the necessity of acknowledging these historical events as a cautionary reminder against forgetting past atrocities, thereby linking historical events with contemporary issues of human rights and self-identification of the Armenian population.