In September 2023, Azerbaijan launched an offensive against the state of Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh following an escalating crisis caused by a blockade of the region, which had severe humanitarian consequences. On 20 September, just one day after hostilities began, a ceasefire agreement was reached. On 28 September, the president of Artsakh announced the dissolution of all state institutions by 1 January 2024, marking the de facto end of the region’s self-governance.
These developments triggered a mass exodus of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians to the Republic of Armenia. According to UNHCR, over 100,000 refugees arrived in September 2023 alone. While the Armenian government granted temporary protection to the displaced population, international institutions reported significant challenges in managing the large-scale influx and providing adequate humanitarian assistance.
Hosted by the Platform for Peace and Humanity, this event examined the situation of Nagorno-Karabakh refugees in Armenia one year after the 2023 offensive. The discussion focused on challenges, prospects, and opportunities for all parties, as well as the response of the international community. Topics included applications submitted against Azerbaijan at the European Court of Human Rights, legal and political aspects of ethnic cleansing and forced displacement, and the obstacles preventing refugees from returning to Artsakh.
Speakers:
- Sossi Tatikyan – Harvard MPA, ESCP EMBA, Sorbonne Nouvelle PhD Researcher; Consultant on Public, Foreign & Security Policy & Governance
- Shushanik Isahakyan – Advocate specializing in Human Rights and Administrative Law
- Artak Beglaryan – Chairman of the “Artsakh Union” NGO; former Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Artsakh
Moderator:
- Fiona Furacão – Director of the South East Europe and Black Sea Region Programme, Platform for Peace and Humanity