In September 2023, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale offensive on Nagorno-Karabakh (also known as Artsakh), the ethnic Armenian enclave within Azerbaijan. The ceasefire that followed the intense fighting left tens of thousands of civilians displaced, forcing them to flee their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. Most fled to neighbouring Armenia.

As people poured into Armenia, many were left in a state of confusion and desperation. Without housing or employment, and struggling with emotional trauma, the displaced citizens had to rebuild their lives from scratch.

Harbingers’ interviewed Mary Asatryan, former assistant to Gegham Stepanyan, Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman, about the problems the refugees face in Armenia now. Having spent years documenting human rights violations, Asatryan witnessed first-hand the devastation that befell her community as she was forced to flee Artsakh too.

The government of Armenia did step in with financial aid in the form of a basic monthly allowance of 50,000 Armenian drams ($130), later reduced to 40,000 drams ($104). Starting in July 2025, the assistance will be further reduced to 30,000 drams ($78). “But it ($130) simply wasn’t enough to cover basic needs,” Asatryan said. “Many families were scattered across Armenia, struggling to find housing, while the elderly and those without families were particularly vulnerable.”

“There were promises made about housing support, but it quickly became clear that the government was not prepared to meet the needs of such a massive number of displaced people,” Asatryan added.

Beyond the logistical challenges, the social dynamics surrounding the displaced community also took a toll. The refugees are also fighting for their dignity in a society where they are often viewed as outsiders.

“There is a growing sentiment among some members of the public that the displaced people are a burden,” Asatryan explained. “The government, with its media channels, has portrayed Artsakh as a threat to Armenia’s stability, which has led to a rise in discrimination.”

“Artsakh and Armenia are equally Armenian lands for me, despite the international status of Artsakh,” Asatryan said. This perspective is shared by many Armenians who, despite the political and legal complexities, view Artsakh as an inseparable part of their identity.

While many ordinary citizens have stepped up to help, the government’s role is crucial in determining the future of these displaced individuals. Many want to return home to Artsakh, back to the lives they had before, while others simply hope to receive decent support and opportunities in Armenia.

Without a coordinated effort to secure their rights and dignified living conditions, these displaced citizens will continue to face the fallout from a war they did not choose, struggling to rebuild their lives.

Despite this, Asatryan remains hopeful. She believes that if the government begins to prioritise the issue of Artsakh’s displaced people and advocates for their rights, real change could occur. “The people of Artsakh deserve justice, and they deserve to return to their homes,” she stated. “But that will only happen if the world listens and if Armenia’s government steps up.”