I am supporting the idea of civic movement defying hypocrisy and demanding truly peaceful COP29 - Luis Moreno Ocampo

ArmInfo. Luis Moreno Ocampo,  The First Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC),  addressed the following letter to Armenians:

"You, reborn from the ashes of the 1915 genocide, stand as a  testament to resilience and the enduring human spirit. Today, you  have the unique power to advocate for justice and truth on a global  stage. You can expose all the abuses of President Ilham Aliyev, who  has targeted his citizens in Azerbaijan and committed atrocities  against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh, all while  hypocritically positioning his country as a leader in the global  climate conversation.

"The 29th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29), set to  take place in Azerbaijan this November, presents an unparalleled  opportunity to shine a light on these grave injustices. Despite  Azerbaijan's branding of the event as a "COP of Peace," Armenians  will reveal the truth about Aliyev's regime and its actions.

"You, dispersed across the globe, are uniquely positioned to protect  not only your own people and your land but also the broader interests  of justice and environmental integrity. Your ancestors taught you  resilience - 'we lose the day we stop fighting'. You have the ability  to spearhead a global movement and engage other concerned communities  addressing two of the most pressing issues of our time: climate  change and genocide.

"To me, the link between climate change and genocide is stark and  undeniable. Both are governed by international conventions that,  unfortunately, have seen inadequate enforcement. Since the adoption  of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992  and the Genocide Convention in 1948, the world has witnessed rising  global temperatures and persistent threats of genocide. In 2023  alone, the UN Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide  identified ongoing risks in six instances, including  Nagorno-Karabakh.

"The UN Climate Convention aims to curb greenhouse gas emissions,  primarily driven by fossil fuels. With over 75% of these emissions  linked to fossil energy, the industry's influence over climate policy  is a critical concern. Azerbaijan, where fossil energy comprises  about 90% of its export revenues, epitomizes this conflict as it  prepares to host COP29. This juxtaposition underscores the urgency  and the relevance of your mission.

"The genocide committed by Azerbaijan against Armenians in  Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh in 2023 exemplifies the ongoing threat.  Through starvation, bombing, and instilling fear, Azerbaijan has  pursued a genocidal campaign. President Aliyev's chilling statement-  "If the ethnic Armenians do not leave our lands of their own free  will, we will chase them away like dogs, and we are doing  that"-reflects this brutal reality. The continuous incarceration of  23 Nagorno-Karabakh people in Baku jails serves as a stark warning to  those who might attempt to return.

"Azerbaijan's proposal for a truce during COP29 rings hollow unless  Armenian hostages and other political prisoners are released  unconditionally. The 2023 U.S. State Department Human Rights Report  on Azerbaijan states that there are "arbitrary detentions and serious  problems with the independence of the judiciary," making an  unconditional return of Armenian hostages and release of political  prisoners the only viable path to justice.

"It is not enough to simply discuss the principles of international  law; they must be actively enforced.  Armenian community leaders and  civil activists must rally global citizens-from journalists to  climate activists-to implement the principles. By leveraging modern  technologies, you can amplify your voices and ensure that the  Conventions on Climate Change and Genocide are upheld.

"I am supporting the idea of the civic movement defying hypocrisy and  demanding a truly peaceful COP29.  Our first step is to unite global  Armenian community and launch a media campaign using the hashtags:  #COP29 and #StopGreenwashGenocide and you can add  #FreeArmenianHostages or #FreePoliticalPrisoners. Daily social media  posts using these hashtags will build momentum, engage other  communities, and attract mainstream media attention. This coordinated  effort will compel journalists, delegates, and NGOs attending COP29  to seek answers from Azerbaijan regarding its Armenian hostages and  political prisoners.

"The goal is clear: a COP29 that truly stands for peace, marked by  the release of Armenian hostages and political prisoners from Baku.  Prepare yourselves, the Armenian communities, the truly peaceful  COP29 will launch on July 23.

"You have the commitment, reach, and determination to lead this  transformative movement. By rallying global communities, you can  ensure that COP29 addresses not only climate change but also  champions human rights and justice.

"Armenians, it is time to lead the charge. Post, comment, and use  your voice. I and many others will follow you."