ANCA-WR to Honor Ruben Vardanyan with ‘Human Rights Champion’ Award at Gala
BY KATY SIMONIAN
The Armenian National Committee of America–Western Region will honor entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and State Minister of the Republic of Artsakh, Ruben Vardanyan, with the 2024 Human Rights Champion Award for his unwavering devotion to securing a democratic Armenia and protecting the people and territorial integrity of Artsakh.
Vardanyan, who was one of many Armenian officials unlawfully arrested by Azeri forces in September 2023 while trying to peacefully cross the border into Armenia, has been detained for over a year in an egregious violation of human rights and international law. Other detainees include former Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan along with Artsakh Foreign Minister and 2022 ANCA-WR Freedom Award honoree Davit Babayan, among many others who remain illegally detained by Azeri forces despite calls from the international community for their immediate release.
Heralded for promoting long-term development projects in Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh to foster social and economic growth, Vardanyan’s ingenuity is matched only by his lifelong commitment to giving back to his homeland. A global leader and prolific advocate for Armenians everywhere, Vardanyan is the co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative which includes the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, a global humanitarian award that recognizes individuals who have sought to intervene and prevent genocide, ethnic cleansing and other crimes against humanity. Working alongside his friend and Moderna Co-Founder Noubar Afeyan, Vardanyan has founded many initiatives to secure the preservation of Armenian heritage sites, build a landscape for educational development particularly in science and technology, and make Armenia stand as a leading voice in the fight for human rights around the world.
Vardanyan’s willingness to put the needs of the Armenian people before his own – and to commit his life to the cause of justice for Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh is a true act of courage. His arrest is a reminder of the immortal words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Vardanyan’s life and work serves to fulfill King’s vision for solidarity in the struggle for peace through recognition and cooperation to build a better world.
