Global voices unite in Shusha with bold declaration on human rights, diversity

Participants in the international conference titled "Cultural and Ethnic Diversity: Lessons of History, Contemporary Challenges", held in Shusha, have adopted a joint declaration outlining the key conclusions and recommendations emerging from the event.

The conference featured two panel discussions focusing on the preservation of cultural and ethnic diversity, the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples, the legacy of colonialism, and contemporary challenges related to historical memory and international cooperation, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

In the declaration, participants emphasized that "cultural and ethnic diversity, tolerance, and multiculturalism must be a national asset for every state." They stressed that "no nation should be humiliated, discriminated, or persecuted based on its ethnic and religious affiliation."

The document called for international legal instruments—including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, obligations aimed at eliminating racial discrimination, and UNESCO's principles on protecting cultural diversity—to serve as effective mechanisms for safeguarding the rights of peoples who have been displaced from their historical homelands, subjected to massacres, genocide, deportation, and the loss of their cultural heritage and languages.

The declaration also urged the international community to prevent "modern forms of colonialism" and actions that bring "tragedy, slavery, and suffering to peoples," while affirming that "the ethnic and religious affiliation of peoples must not be considered a crime, nor should it lead to collective punishment."

Participants further stressed that "the national dignity and pride of peoples must be taken into account," calling for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual trust to replace confrontation and conflict.

The declaration also addressed the situation in Russia, calling for an end to what it described as the forced deployment of ethnic minorities—including Circassians, Lezgins, Avars, Tatars, Kumyks, Chechens, Sakhas, Buryats, and other non-Russian peoples—to the Ukrainian front through persecution, intimidation, and imprisonment.

It urged Russia to "learn lessons from history, recognize the genocides against Circassians and other peoples, cease the glorification of those who shed their blood, and ensure that archival materials on related historical topics are accessible." The document also called for an end to "chauvinism and xenophobic rhetoric in Russia," as well as attacks and persecution targeting non-Russian communities.

The participants also praised Azerbaijan's approach to multiculturalism, stating that the country's "exemplary model in preserving ethnic and cultural diversity, and in promoting interfaith, intercultural, and inter-civilizational harmony and dialogue, must be commended."

The declaration concluded by stating that "Azerbaijan's historic Shusha Victory should serve as a model and a symbol of the restoration of historical justice, which colonized peoples need the most."

By Vafa Guliyeva