Armenia responds to Nagorno-Karabakh displacement with shelter and relief

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Armenian authorities have organized shelter and essential services for a large wave of people displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, with estimates indicating that roughly 35 thousand individuals received temporary accommodation at relief centers and in community facilities. This summary comes from a briefing delivered by Nazeli Bagdasaryan, the press secretary for the Armenian prime minister, and reflects ongoing humanitarian efforts to respond to the widening refugee situation. The situation remains fluid as relief operations continue to adapt to the needs of those arriving from the conflict-affected area.

According to official updates, as of 14.00 local time, more than 100,000 residents have arrived in Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh since September 24. The government reported that around 34,600 displaced people had already been given temporary shelter, with thousands more placed in reception centers and provided with basic necessities. These figures illustrate the scale of displacement and the immediate need for housing, food, medical care, and psychological support for those who fled violence or threats in their homeland.

Additional data showed that about 82,800 people had registered their presence and that more than 21,000 vehicles had entered Armenia from Karabakh. The registration figures help authorities coordinate aid, monitor security, and plan for longer-term protection, including potential relocation or repatriation options as safety conditions allow. The flow of people and goods through checkpoints has been a central focus for ensuring orderly processing and access to essential services for newcomers.

On September 30, Armenian official briefings indicated that since the start of Azerbaijan’s anti-terrorism operation against Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh, about 100,417 refugees had moved into the country. The statements underscore the scale of regional instability and the resulting humanitarian burden, prompting continued coordination among national agencies, local municipalities, and international humanitarian partners to expand shelter capacity and support networks for those in need.

In mid-September, Azerbaijani authorities announced a localized operation in Karabakh, describing the action as aimed at suppressing provocations, disarming Armenian forces, and withdrawing military units from the region. While the announcements highlighted security objectives, the aftermath for civilians was one of disruption and displacement, underscoring the urgent requirement for protection corridors, safe shelter, and reliable information channels for residents caught in the crossfire.

A day after these announcements, channels for dialogue reopened with the involvement of Russian peacekeepers, culminating in a ceasefire arrangement between the negotiating sides. The ceasefire provided a temporary pause in hostilities, enabling humanitarian corridors and relief efforts to reach affected communities, even as the political and security dimensions of the crisis continued to evolve. Observers note that sustained stabilization will depend on a broader political settlement and the consistent enforcement of agreed terms by all parties involved.

Later in September, Nagorno-Karabakh’s leadership issued a decree terminating the existence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic by January 1, 2024, a move that signaled a significant shift in the regional governance landscape and raised questions about the future status of the Armenian population in the region. The decree’s impact on daily life, identity, and protection needs has been a topic of discussion among international observers and humanitarian actors who remain engaged in monitoring displacement patterns and facilitating safe access to services for those who relocated to Armenia or other parts of the country.

Looking back at the broader context, authorities in Baku stated that Armenians in Karabakh should integrate into Azerbaijani society, while many residents faced choices about relocation, adaptation, and potential long-term resettlement. The situation has prompted a continuous dialogue among regional stakeholders, international partners, and civil society groups to address not only immediate shelter and relief requirements but also longer-term concerns related to education, healthcare, livelihoods, and cultural preservation for affected communities.

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