On September 27, 2020, Azerbaijan, backed by Turkey, launched an unprecedented military offensive against Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Predominantly populated by Armenians, this region had been arbitrarily annexed to the Republic of Azerbaijan in 1921 by a decision of Stalin. In 1991, following the collapse of the USSR, the territory declared its independence. Since then, however, Azerbaijan has refused to relinquish control. Over the course of three decades, several conflicts have erupted, culminating in the one in the fall of 2020, which ended with a ceasefire on November 9.

For more than thirty years, Antoine Agoudjian has dedicated himself to preserving the history of the Armenian people. He was able to bear witness firsthand to this new 44-day war in Artsakh.

The selection made by the jury for the Humanitarian Visa d’Or does not reflect the positions of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Antoine Agoudjian for Le Figaro Magazine

Recipient of the 2021 Humanitarian Golden Visa from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)