On April 19th, 2024, First Prosecutor Dr. Luis Moreno Ocampo arrived in Lebanon upon the invitation of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. The same evening, the First Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, gave a public lecture at the Main Hall of the Catholicosate. He addressed representatives of the Armenian community educational, social, and political organizations, and other related bodies, invited by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. The topic of the lecture was: “75 years after the Genocide Declaration, why is the world still not responding to its terms?”
Member of the Armenian Church University Student Association, Ms. Rita Melekian welcomed the speaker and the guests. The session began with the opening speech of Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian, member of the Central Committee of the Catholicosate, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the American University of Beirut and the Lebanese University. Prof. Bayrakdarian briefly introduced the International Law and the process of the adoption of the Convention of the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948 Genocide Convention) and their role in the establishment, of the International Criminal Court (ICC). She then explained how ICC in turn shaped international law. She also added that the Genocide Convention was primarily in response to the Armenian genocide and the convention remains an important legal instrument. However, the binding impact is insufficient as demonstrated in the case of the Armenian Genocide. Therefore, she said, in order to understand the inefficiencies and weaknesses of the instrument, His Holiness Aram I invited the First Prosecutor, Dr Luis Moreno Ocampo and organized the current event.
Dr. Bayrakdarian introduced the First Prosecutor of the ICC and mentioned his recent book entitled “War and Justice in the 21st Century: A Case Study on the ICC and Interaction on the War on Terror” published by Oxford University Press.
Dr Luis Moreno Ocampo thanked His Holiness for the invitation, commanded the unyielding power of perseverance of Armenians, he strongly encouraged not to give up by sharing three examples.
1) Gassia Apkarian of Lebanese origin, Judge of the Superior Court of Orange County. She announces a lawsuit for the genocide committed by Azerbaijan against the Armenians of Artsakh. The Prosecutor Louis Moreno Ocampo told the audience that Gassia Apkarian did not only provide evidence on the last war and Aliev’s deportation plan of Armenians, but also on Azerbaijan’s genocidal intent in Artzakh and the Republic of Armenia. Apkarian shared her evidence on Aliev’s intentions expressed through his statements, written documents, and the measures he has taken. According to her, everything Aliev executed in 2023, against the people of Artsakh, match with his pronouncements and documents since 2015. According to Apkarian, he currently continues to spread terror and fear among the population in Armenia.
2) Ardag Peklarian from Artsakh, a public figure and former Human Rights defender of the Republic. Former head of staff of the President’s office. During the first Artsakh war, at a young age, Ardag lost his father, then his eye-site because of a land mine explosion, and soon after his mother. Despite all difficulties, Peklarian remained defiant. He continued his education in Armenia, in the diaspora, and returned to Artzakh to serve his people. Ocampo noted that only people who have suffered from genocide can understand it, and its consequences. Therefore, deported people of Artsakh have every right to demand international protection to live in security on their land.
3) Last example. The son of a survivor of the Genocide, Carlos Arslanian’s trajectory involves moving from Lebanon to Argentina. As the offspring of a nation victim of injustice, he decides to study law to overcome injustice. He works hard to succeed. In his search for jobs, he contacts a Prosecutor and applies for one. During the interview, he explains his motivation and commitment to pursue justice. Soon after, he is selected for the job. He works hard and aspires to become a barrister. Several years later, he becomes the Chief Justice of the court in Argentina and in 1985, presides over the tribunal that oversees the conviction of the Junta.
His Holiness Aram I, thanked Dr. Luis Moreno Ocampo, the First Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for accepting the invitation and his encouraging presentation. and concluded the meeting by sharing his thoughts on the issue and emphasized the importance of the prevention of genocide in the following five points:
1) Prevention of crime against humanity should start at home, on the national level. Recognition and respect for human rights is of utmost importance. In fact, when human rights are neither respected nor protected, and might is considered right, such a perception and practice may lead to crimes against humanity.
2) Silence vis-à-vis genocide will simply mean its endorsement. Impunity will encourage new genocides; it will make “never again” become once again. Therefore, impunity should not be granted to those who have committed crimes.
3) If international law is not fully implemented, it will become a sheer concept. Accountability is crucial as an effective preventive measure. I believe the international community must go beyond judicial processes, and impose its political will. This will imply the creation of early warning systems, building public awareness through conscientization and dialogue, imposing diplomatic and economic sanctions, and in extreme situations, resorting to humanitarian intervention.
4) Crime against humanity is a crime against God. Respect for human dignity, freedom, justice, peace, tolerance, non-violence are core values in all religions. Therefore, each religion, in its own way, has a particular responsibility to promote and protect ethical and human rights values.
5) The creation of a global governance with effective mechanisms to implement its decisions is a must. It will significantly help prevent crimes against humanity.
As an expression of the appreciation of First Prosecutor Louis Moreno Ocampo, for his commitment to the Armenian people’s demand for justice, His Holiness decorated him with the Catholicosate of Cilicia, “Knight of Cilicia” insignia.
