The Region in Brief

Artsakh

From May 26–28, the World Council of Churches and the Protestant Church of Switzerland hosted an international conference in Bern focused on preserving Armenian heritage in Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh. Initiated by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, the event opened with his blessing and remarks. The Catholicos condemned Azerbaijan’s 2020 and 2023 military offensives and the resulting ethnic cleansing and occupation of Artsakh. He denounced the destruction and falsification of Armenian Christian sites and criticized Baku’s refusal to cooperate with UNESCO or uphold EU resolutions. His Holiness urged the international community to protect Armenian heritage, facilitate the return of displaced Artsakh Armenians and secure the release of Armenian prisoners held by Azerbaijan.