ANCA-WR to Honor Christian Solidarity International with “Human Rights Champion” Award
Christian Human Rights Organization Lauded for Amplifying the Plight and Rights of the forcibly displaced Indigenous Armenians of Artsakh
September 3, 2025Los Angeles, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) is proud to announce that Christian Solidarity International (CSI) will receive its prestigious “Human Rights Champion” Award at the 2025 ANCA-WR Gala Banquet, which will take place at the Fairmont Century Plaza on the 26th of October. This recognition honors CSI’s steadfast and courageous advocacy for the Armenian people of Artsakh, particularly in the face of Azerbaijan’s ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing, cultural erasure, and anti-Christian agenda.
“Christian Solidarity International has stood firm when many looked away,” stated ANCA-WR Chairman Oshin Harootoonian. “Their principled commitment to human rights and religious freedom has given voice to the suffering of Artsakh’s Armenians and strengthened the global demand for justice. We are proud to honor them with our 2025 Human Rights Champion Award.”
Since the onset of Azerbaijan’s brutal blockade and military aggression, CSI has emerged as one of the most principled and consistent international voices defending the rights of Artsakh’s Armenians. Through a combination of humanitarian relief and high-level advocacy, CSI has worked tirelessly to bring global attention to Azerbaijan’s atrocities, and to secure justice for the victims of genocidal ethnic cleansing.
CSI has provided direct humanitarian assistance to displaced Armenians from Artsakh, including emergency shelter, medical care, income-generating aid, and psychological support. Their work has extended deep into refugee communities in Armenia, helping families recover from trauma and rebuild their lives with dignity.
Beyond its aid efforts, CSI has made international advocacy a cornerstone of its mission. The organization has issued multiple urgent calls for action at the United Nations, and among U.S. and European policymakers, emphasizing the legal and moral imperative of the right of return for Artsakh’s displaced population. CSI has also been instrumental in launching the global “Stop the New Armenian Genocide” campaign, which warned the international community of the genocidal trajectory of Azerbaijan’s actions following its September 2023 military assault on Artsakh.
CSI President Dr. John Eibner has taken a leading role in elevating awareness about the crisis, including participating in the July 2025 Capitol Hill briefing spotlighting the Swiss Peace Initiative. This landmark effort, backed by partisan support in the Swiss Parliament, seeks to convene an international forum focused on securing the collective, dignified, and safe return of the displaced Artsakh Armenians. CSI’s support for the initiative reflects its broader commitment to durable and just solutions grounded in human rights and international law.
The 2025 ANCA-WR Gala will bring together hundreds of community leaders, public officials, and grassroots supporters for an evening celebrating advocacy and impact. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and additional event information, please visit www.ancawr.org/gala2025.
