Rep. Schiff Introduces Resolution Demanding Information on Azerbaijan’s Human Rights Practices
Washington, D.C. — Today, on the third anniversary of the six-week Artsakh war, Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), joined by Representatives Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), introduced a resolution to require the U.S. Department of State to examine and report on Azerbaijan’s human rights practices, including its aggression and attacks on Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and Armenia.
Schiff’s resolution draws upon Section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act, which allows Congress to request information on a particular country’s human rights practices from the State Department. Schiff’s resolution would give the U.S. State Department 30 days to provide Congress with a report on Azerbaijan’s human rights record, including information about the observance of human rights in Azerbaijan, steps the United States has taken to promote respect for human rights there, and whether the Secretary of State believes extraordinary circumstances exist that necessitate a continuation of security assistance for Azerbaijan.
“Providing U.S. assistance to a government that is actively engaged in ethnic cleansing or genocide is contrary to our values as Americans. In light of Azerbaijan’s horrific aggression, including its September 19 unprovoked military attack on Artsakh, my resolution provides a much-needed path to quickly cut off aid to Azerbaijan,” Rep. Schiff said. “We cannot speak out for human rights while providing assistance that can be used to further Azerbaijan’s war and commission of war crimes. I look forward to the passage of my resolution in order to shine a light on Azerbaijan’s human rights abuses and allow Congress to exercise its role in ensuring U.S. foreign assistance is aligned with U.S. values and interests.”
“Azerbaijan’s ongoing attacks on Armenians in Artsakh are unacceptable. These attacks along with the blockade of the Lachin Corridor make it clear that the United States must end military assistance to Azerbaijan now,” Rep. Costa said.
The report the bill requires from the State Department would also include information requested about the impact of U.S. assistance on the power balance and prospects for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, an assessment of whether ethnic cleansing or acts of genocide are taking place in Artsakh, and the status of sanctions to hold accountable Azerbaijani officials responsible for gross violations of human rights. If the State Department is not able to provide a report within 30 days, security assistance to Azerbaijan would be automatically suspended.
Schiff’s district is home to the largest Armenian-American diaspora community in the United States, and he has long been a staunch advocate on their behalf – calling for an end to U.S. support to Baku and sanctions on Azerbaijan. In April, Schiff sent a letter to the United States Secretary of Commerce to block any proposed licenses allowing the sale of lethal weapons, such as high-powered American-made rifles, to Azerbaijan. Later in April, Rep. Schiff introduced a resolution Recognizing the Republic of Artsakh’s independence and condemning Azerbaijan’s continued aggression against Armenia and Artsakh.
The full text of the resolution can be found here.
###