The dream is possible, but the reality remains harsh Philip Roche tells his story of the visit to frontline region of Azerbaijan

Society 13:10 02.04.2019

On the invitation of the International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF) deputy principal at British School Baku Philip Roche visited the frontline region of Azerbaijan and participated in the charity action. Since the time when he heard about the difficulties faced by children in the war-affected regions of Azerbaijan he expressed the willingness to see the situation with his own eyes.

President of the IEPF Umud Mirzayev informed Philip Roche about Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and its consequences. Roche visited Hesangaya village in Terter region and met with local residents. He also saw "Maraga 150" monument destroyed by Armenians and knew about its history. Being impressed by what he saw Philip Roshe shared his impressions with Eurasia Diary. He titled his story, "The dream is possible, but the reality remains harsh".

"The struggle in the region has been on-going for some years, with explosions of conflict in which they choose to remind the Azerbaijanis that they should not relax nor feel in any way comfortable. Whilst tension has existed for some time it was in the 1990s that the pressure increased, and a full-scale war began ending in what can only be described as genocide, the massacre of the Azerbaijani people, thousands were killed. Khojaly and other regions were raised to the ground.

The situation is no different today it remains an area of conflict and a region in desperation, a region where people live with the pressure of losing the little that they have. 
Research tells us that a reason albeit a poor one is that the brutal killing of innocent men women and children was simply a way to intimidate This intimidation this slaughter was carried out simply because it could be. The world, though intrinsically supportive of the Azerbaijani people remain passive in their response, believing that to do more would only encourage more violence, so it is better to go with the status quo.

In so many ways this ongoing conflict, apart from denying people the right of identity, also denies them the physical right of land to pasture, to grow crops to make a profit. 
Instead the frugality of life is literally hand to mouth. They have assistance but it does not seem to cover their basic needs. Their cultural needs the means to give them a sense of identity has been violated to the extent that it is nonexistent. To belong, to be, to have a sense that they matter, is a constant struggle. Seeing the way that these people live is a moving experience, to live among the bombed out remains of homes, to live in the knowledge that their friends, family and loved ones died has to be the most difficult thing to contend with. The young people smile, chat and do the things that other young people would do except that they have to do it with a sense of darkness about them.

Education and the means to achieve it, is within their reach but like so many things it takes determination and the willingness to take a step forward and commit to the work being carried out by the IEPF. This way we give these young people the opportunity to succeed and to know that there are some people who want to care and want to help. 
Seeing the black fields, the destroyed homes and ultimately the smiles of young people is a strong reason to want to help.

"I've experienced civil war in Ukraine I witnessed the troubles in Cairo but each of them did not connect with me completey. I was affected, of course but the areas where the troubles were situated were restricted to a specific location ensuring that the functions of a city were not damaged. Cairo was the same, my life and my everyday activities continued unaffected." 
  
The trip to the Terter region and then the drive through check-points to villages that bare the scars was poignant. The bombed-out house that only two-years before held in its wall’s laughter and fun, now holds the silent voices of a family, a young girl a faceless, voiceless cry that will forever go unanswered.

The Armenian/Azerbaijan conflict remains largely unknown. Generally, people know Azerbaijan for the formula One and nothing more. My perception of this conflict is the cruelty and the determination of one country to inflict both mental and physical pain on another. My wish is that talking which should not be considered the weaker option but rather that of a stronger one. That talking will cause a shift in the thoughts and actions of those who need to listen and to accept. The IEPF wish to promote peace, not just for now and not just as a passive action but as a full and meaningful approach that will stop the deaths, the pain and the emotional turmoil. Peace is the hardest action to endorse and to follow.

I asked the question during my short visit and the beginning of many visits, why is this conflict not known about.  The answer is perhaps a cynical one but for the most part nonetheless true. It is forgotten, because the cause is not popular, it is not glamorous. 
And while war should not be viewed as glamorous it is nonetheless a term that seems to benefit others in terms of construction and other civil benefits to be gained as the consequence of unrest.

So, I went to the region as a foreigner, little versed in the art of war not trained in diplomacy just armed with a willingness to help and be of use I left with a mark on my soul that will never shift it will colour my thoughts and challenge my convictions for some time to come and I hope from that I will move forward and create a project that will be sustainable, a joint venture that will develop and promote young people.

It is time for people to listen to reconsider their passive approach take affirmative action, make a stand and promote the positives. 
The regions are under constant bombardment, water is redirected causing a continuous drought. Food and resources are scarce and the chance of achieving must at times feel so far away, a speck on the horizon.

These people deserve more and should have more. We can be the ones to give it to them. Will you help?

Together we are unstoppable – or at least we can be".

IEPF issued a statement regarding Azerbaijani children at the UN Human Rights Council

News line

Tomorrow in Abu Dhabi: Aliyev and Pashinyan Hold Crucial Peace Process Talks
12:30 09.07.2025
Heavy rainfall hits SW China, 5 missing in Sichuan
12:15 09.07.2025
U.S. Detaining Individuals from Three Continents at Guantanamo Immigration Facilities
12:00 09.07.2025
Israel eliminates Hamas commander in Lebanon — IDF
11:45 09.07.2025
South Korea sends 6 rescued North Koreans back across sea border
11:30 09.07.2025
US condemns Houthi attacks on cargo ships in Red Sea
11:15 09.07.2025
Trump says he considers agreeing to more sanctions on Russia
11:00 09.07.2025
Today is a Day of Diplomacy in Azerbaijan
10:45 09.07.2025
Mexico probes former president for allegedly taking millions in bribes from Israeli businessmen
10:30 09.07.2025
Trump, Israel’s Netanyahu meet for a second time about a ceasefire in Gaza
10:15 09.07.2025
Death toll surpasses 100, at least 160 missing in Texas
10:00 09.07.2025
Mediators move closer to securing Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza
09:45 09.07.2025
FBI launches probes into former FBI, CIA directors
09:30 09.07.2025
Trump's envoy says US 'hopeful' 60-day Gaza ceasefire agreed upon 'by end of this week'
09:15 09.07.2025
Azerbaijan hosts official reception at Gulustan Palace on occasion of professional holiday of diplomats
09:00 09.07.2025
Organisation of Turkic States, TURKPA congratulate Azerbaijani diplomats on professional holiday
08:45 09.07.2025
Rubio: US waiting for signing of Azerbaijan-Armenia peace treaty
08:30 09.07.2025
Russia charges former deputy defense minister with fraud, illegal arms trafficking
20:45 08.07.2025
Far-right Israeli ministers call to block Gaza aid, enforce starvation, halt ceasefire talks
20:30 08.07.2025
Ukraine appeals to OPCW to investigate possible use of chemical weapons by Russia
20:00 08.07.2025
Minister: Slovenia considers Azerbaijan key partner in green transition
19:45 08.07.2025
Ukrainian forces push back and hold ground in Russian regions, army chief says
19:30 08.07.2025
Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan open new border crossing point
19:15 08.07.2025
Azerbaijan, Slovenia discuss green energy collaboration
19:00 08.07.2025
Baku hosts conference on role of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in media development
18:45 08.07.2025
Another Training Session Held at IEPF Headquarters – Representation at the UN in Focus
18:15 08.07.2025
'We will de-risk our economies, but we do not want to decouple,' EU Commission president says on relations with China
18:15 08.07.2025
France’s Macron makes state visit to UK with migration and Ukraine on agenda
18:00 08.07.2025
Armenian Investigative Committee conducts searches at 51 addresses simultaneously
17:45 08.07.2025
4 killed, over 20 injured in Cairo data center fire
17:30 08.07.2025
Unknown individuals attack MPs in Armenian parliament
17:15 08.07.2025
Raids on illegal migrants in hostels, prayer houses in Moscow
17:00 08.07.2025
Hakan Fidan doesn’t rule out meeting of Russian, Ukrainian and US presidents in Türkiye
16:45 08.07.2025
Investigators raid head office of Electric Networks of Armenia
16:30 08.07.2025
Family of 4 killed after small plane crashes in North Carolina
16:15 08.07.2025
ASCO discusses port, logistics centers development with Chinese company
16:00 08.07.2025
Newcastle agree £55m fee for Forest winger Elanga
15:45 08.07.2025
Pashinyan says he will personally lead 'liberation' of Armenian church
15:30 08.07.2025
Russian emergencies minister thanks Azerbaijan for organizing evacuation of Russian citizens from Iran
15:15 08.07.2025
Azerbaijani parliament adopts in final reading improvement of requirements for services and work provided by NGOs
15:00 08.07.2025
Hamısı