The Hammurabi Human Rights Organization congratulates its partner organization, Christian Solidarity International, on being honored by the Armenian community in Los Angeles as a “Human Rights Champion” by its international president, Dr. John Ebern, who resides in Switzerland.
On October 26, 2025, in Los Angeles, CSI received the Human Rights Champion Award from the Armenian National Committee of America Western Region (ANCA WR). This award recognizes CSI’s “tireless and courageous commitment” to the Armenian people of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The Armenian National Committee of America Western Region awarded CSI the Human Rights Champion Award for its courageous commitment to the Armenian people of Nagorno-Karabakh. John Eibner, CSI's International President, received this human rights award on October 26, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Lenna Hovanessian and Kevork Hagopjian presented the human rights award to John Eibner (center). Right: John Eibner during his acceptance speech. Photo: ANCA-WR
CSI Remains True to Its Principles
“Christian Solidarity International has remained true to its principles while many have turned a blind eye,” emphasized Oshin Harootoonian, President of ANCA WR. “CSI’s commitment to human rights and freedom of religion has given a voice to the suffering Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh and has strengthened the global demand for justice. CSI is now one of the most consistent international voices advocating for the rights of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.”
Humanitarian Aid and Advocacy
On the one hand, CSI provides concrete assistance to Armenian refugees by offering emergency shelter, medical care, income support, and psychological support. On the other hand, CSI fights for justice at the political level. During the award ceremony, the CSI campaign “Stop the New Armenian Genocide” and the numerous appeals made by CSI to the UN and political decision-makers in the United States and Europe were mentioned.
Praise for the Swiss Initiative
A demonstration organized in Washington, D.C., in July 2025 was also commended. John Eibner, CSI International President, presented the “Swiss Initiative for Peace in Nagorno-Karabakh.” This innovative initiative aims to create an international forum hosted by Switzerland to discuss the safe and collective return of the Armenian population expelled from Nagorno-Karabakh. CSI’s support for this initiative reflects the organization’s global commitment. CSI is committed to sustainable and just solutions based on human rights and international law, according to the tribute paid by ANCA WR.
Forced “Azerbaijanization”
In his acceptance speech, John Eibner warned that after the Azerbaijani invasion of Nagorno-Karabakh, the Republic of Armenia was now threatened in its very existence. He listed the demands of Azerbaijan, which already occupies a large part of Armenian territory: “Azerbaijan claims ownership rights over all of Armenia, which it openly refers to as ‘Western Azerbaijan.’ It demands amendments to the Armenian Constitution. It insists on the submission of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which it accuses of being an obstacle to peace. One demand after another is being met as a precondition for signing a surrender treaty.” Mr. Eibner described the arrest and imprisonment of Archbishops Bagrat Galstanian and Mikayel Ajapahian and other clergymen by the Armenian government as extremely worrying.
John Eibner states: “Let us not delude ourselves: what we are witnessing today is nothing less than the forced ‘Azerbaijanization’ of Armenia and its integration into the authoritarian neo-Ottoman and pan-Turkic worlds, and not the often-proclaimed rapprochement with the democratic West. The flagrant violations of fundamental human rights and human dignity bear witness to this grim reality.”
He concluded: “The challenge is enormous. But keep courage! There is hope in this David and Goliath struggle: hope through the spirit that characterizes Armenia, the first Christian nation, hope through the solidarity of Christians worldwide, and hope through the mysterious power of our Christian faith.”