“Amid the all-encompassing tragedy, acute humanitarian crisis and mass resettlement of Artsakh Armenians, there are also individual events that undermine the system of humanitarian values, human dignity and moral norms. One most recent is the illegal arrest of philanthropist and public figure Ruben Vardanyan along with other Armenians by Azerbaijani forces.

Taking into account Ruben Vardanyan’s significant contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage and dissemination of genocide prevention ideas, we urge relevant international organizations to take immediate action. Help protect the rights of Ruben Vardanyan and all unjustly arrested Armenians and ensure their release.

P.S. For the eighth year running, the Aurora Prize humanitarian initiative has kept a handwritten chronicle in the Matenadaran, recording the names of Aurora Prize winners who have devoted their lives and careers to humanitarian values. This register bears the name The Book of Philanthropists.”