Today marks 32 years since the horrific Khojaly Genocide, a brutal act committed against Azerbaijani civilians during Armenia’s military aggression and occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan. This tragic event represents a dark chapter in the history of Armenia's deliberate policy of ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity perpetrated against Azerbaijanis, which also ravaged settlements such as Baganis Ayrim, Jamilli, Karkijahan, Meshali, Malibeyli, Gushchular, and Garadagli throughout the occupation.

As part of the global remembrance efforts for this profound tragedy, an awareness campaign was held in Brisbane, Australia, with the active participation of representatives from the Azerbaijani National Association. Such initiatives underscore the commitment of the Azerbaijani diaspora worldwide to raise international awareness about this grave crime against humanity and ensure that its victims are never forgotten.

On the night of February 25-26, 1992, the city of Khojaly, which had been besieged with its ground traffic and energy supply cut off since October 1991 and January 1992, respectively, was brutally occupied by Armenia’s armed forces, aided by the former USSR’s 366th Motorized Rifle Regiment. This assault followed massive artillery shelling.

The devastating consequences of this occupation included the brutal murder of 613 people, among them 63 children, 106 women, and 70 elderly citizens. Eight families were completely wiped out, 130 children lost one parent, and 25 children were orphaned, losing both parents. The fate of 150 individuals, including 68 women and 26 children, who were taken prisoner and subjected to cruel torture, remains unknown.

The indiscriminate use of heavy weaponry against a civilian population, detailed investigative materials on atrocities, compelling eyewitness testimonials, and, crucially, the confession of Armenia’s then-Defense Minister and ex-President, Serzh Sargsyan—who stated, “Before Khojaly, the Azerbaijanis thought that ... the Armenians were people who could not raise their hand against the civilian population. We were able to break that [stereotype]”—leave no room for doubt. The Khojaly massacre was not an accident, but a deliberate crime of genocide, meticulously planned by Armenia and executed by its subordinate forces.

Like other crimes against humanity perpetrated by Armenia against Azerbaijanis, the Khojaly Genocide constitutes a gross violation of international humanitarian law, human rights law, and specifically, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

The failure to end Armenia's impunity for these crimes against humanity tragically led to a continuation of its violent practices, exemplified by war crimes committed against civilians in Ganja, Barda, and Terter – cities located at a considerable distance from military operations during the 44-day Patriotic War. This grim reality once again demonstrates the dire consequences of failing to bring those responsible for crimes under universal jurisdiction, such as genocide, to justice.

From this perspective, the international community’s unwavering support for measures taken at national and international levels to end impunity for criminals, as well as robust collaboration in this field, are critically important for global justice and peace.

This year, on the 32nd anniversary of the Khojaly Genocide, our tricolor flag proudly flies over all the territories of Azerbaijan for the very first time, including in Khojaly itself—a town that once represented an unbearable moral blow and an incurable wound for every Azerbaijani. The liberation of Khojaly embodies our nation's strength and solidarity, serving as a solemn bond of loyalty to the innocent victims of this genocide.

Azerbaijan remains steadfast in its belief that ongoing measures at the national level and within the framework of current international law will effectively serve to end impunity and bring to justice all those responsible for the grave crimes committed during Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan.

On this 32nd anniversary of the tragedy, we remember with deepest respect and honor the memories of the innocent victims of Armenia’s ethnic hatred and genocidal crimes, including the Khojaly Genocide.

Rest in Peace!