UK parliamentary inquiry on Artsakh hears testimony on cultural heritage destruction

(Horizon Media / LONDON) – The latest session of the UK Parliamentary Inquiry on Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) featured testimony from Simon Maghakyan, founder of Heritage Intel and a leading specialist on cultural heritage destruction. This was reported by the Armenian National Committee of the United Kingdom.

Maghakyan presented findings on the systematic erasure of Armenian heritage, drawing in part on his widely recognized research documenting the destruction of cultural sites in Nakhichevan between 1997 and 2006. He characterized these actions as state-sponsored, outlining patterns of deliberate cultural destruction attributed to Azerbaijan. His work has previously been referenced at the United Nations Security Council and the International Court of Justice, and has received coverage from major international outlets including the BBC and Time.

As the Inquiry moves forward, the next phase will focus on assessing both written and oral testimony, culminating in a final report outlining key findings and recommendations. The report is expected to inform engagement with the UK Government and relevant international institutions.

The Inquiry is being conducted by the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), in collaboration with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Law, Justice and Accountability and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Armenia. The cross-party panel is chaired by Brendan O’Hara MP and includes Helena Kennedy KC, John Whittingdale MP, Jessica Morden MP, Lord McInnes, Lord Alton, and Baroness Hooper, with support from IBAHRI Programme Coordinator Áine Macdonald.

Further information on the Inquiry can be found at nagornokarabakhinquiry.com.