Concordia Armenian Student Union sends appeal to University President , urging to reconsider sending delegates to Azerbaijan for the UN Climate Change Conference

The Concordia Armenian Students’ Union (CASU) has urged Concordia University to reconsider sending delegates to the 29th session of the United Nations’ Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Azerbaijan due to the country s alleged ethnic-cleansing of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan has faced accusations of systemic discrimination, mass killings, torture, and other abuses against Armenians in the region. The situation has worsened with the blockade of the Lachin corridor, leading to a humanitarian crisis. CASU s vice-president, Matthew Doramajian, believes Azerbaijan is using the event to greenwash its image. The UN has chosen Azerbaijan for COP29 due to its commitment to renewable energy, despite the country s economy being heavily reliant on oil and gas production. Armenian activists and Concordia alumni, Yon and Maria Nersessian, have created a petition to protest the university s decision. They argue that Concordia should not participate in an event hosted by a country accused of human rights violations. Concordia University spokesperson, Vannina Maestracci, stated that the university has observer status with the UNFCCC, which allows faculty and students to attend the global climate change forum. However, she clarified that Concordia is not responsible for selecting the host country for the conference. Doramajian emphasized the responsibility of Concordia students and faculty to educate themselves on the issue and consider their safety and righteousness. The petition aims to make Concordia reevaluate its stance on participating in the event.

Source: horizonweekly.ca
Published on 2024-09-17