Dr. Arman Tatoyan Speaks at Yale University

2 min read

YEREVAN, Armenia — On November 17, Dr. Arman Tatoyan, professor and interim chair of the Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice (MAHRSJ) program at the American University of Armenia (AUA), spoke at the MacMillan Center of Yale University. He was invited by David Simon, director of the Genocide Studies Program at Yale.  In his presentation, Dr. Tatoyan covered contemporary issues regarding the Armenian identity, Azerbaijan’s genocidal policies in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), and security threats to Armenia. 

Dr. Tatoyan unveiled exclusive and critical information concerning the Azerbaijani armed attacks on Artsakh, detailing particulars about the targeted villages and cities and strategic directions of armed advancement. Emphasis was placed on the Azerbaijani armed forces’ deliberate isolation of major Armenian communities, such as Stepanakert, Martakert, Martuni, and Askeran, to worsen the impact of their military actions in these areas.

Throughout the presentation, Dr. Tatoyan drew parallels between past events and the immediate challenges facing Armenia. He underscored that the tactics employed by Azerbaijani forces were directed at separating thousands of individuals from their families and purposefully spreading panic and chaos among the populace. 

Furthermore, Dr. Tatoyan highlighted instances where Azerbaijani forces targeted vital civilian infrastructure, such as the seizure of Stepanakert’s water supply system, which led to detrimental consequences forcing residents to drink murky, unfiltered, and harmful water. He also provided facts revealing that civilian communities were specifically targeted with artillery and air strikes, resulting in the tragic toll of two dozen victims and hundreds of wounded civilians.

Dr. Tatoyan supported the evidence he presented with maps, duly illustrating the intentional ethnic cleansing carried out by the Azerbaijani authorities. This reality unfolded within the context of Azerbaijan’s ongoing genocidal policy, rooted in its hatred of ethnic Armenians, a phenomenon termed Armenophobia.

A Q&A session followed the presentation, offering the audience a chance to delve deeper into various accounts referenced in Dr. Tatoyan’s talk. This also afforded participants the opportunity to exchange views and seek additional facts. 

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.