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Description of the Event
What happened, where and when?
On 19 September, Azerbaijan launched a military operation aimed at “restoring the constitutional order of the Republic of Azerbaijan”. After cessation of hostilities on 20 September, large-scale population movement into Armenia commenced on 24 September when some 5,000 people arrived in Armenia seeking shelter. On 28 September, the reported number of people leaving for Armenia increased to 65,036.
On 22 September, the Armenian public authorities have declared the readiness to receive and accommodate 40,000 families of people leaving for Armenia. However, the number of expected arrivals may be up to 90,000, of which 50,000 persons are likely to be population in need or protection services, which creates a need to prepare for a large-scale humanitarian intervention to respond to the immediate and enduring needs of the people who left for Armenia.
Recognizing the dire and evolving humanitarian needs of the people having left for Armenia, the Armenian authorities initiated a set of preparatory measures, including the mobilization of relevant governmental entities, such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, as well as regional and local authorities, to collaborate with the non-governmental organizations and the civil society to streamline and coordinate the initial humanitarian aid efforts. Reception points were established in Kornidzor, Goris and Vayk, where there is a steady influx of people in extreme vulnerable situations seeking support.
The escalation has generated an acute humanitarian crisis that demands a comprehensive and sustained response. Governmental entities, non-governmental organizations, and volunteers are working collaboratively to address the pressing needs of the affected population. According to the crosstabulation of the primary data collection efforts and needs assessments carried out by the multiple actors, the primary needs of those who left for Armenia will include the provision of food, non-food items, psychological support, first aid, running hotlines, Restoring Family Links (RFL) services, and essential care materials as well as providing shelter, offering accommodations in hotels, boarding institutions, and the homes of friends, relatives, and host families. Emergency stocks are pre-positioned from the USAID BHA funds for 3,000 individuals, and their replenishment is urgently required to ensure a robust and effective response to the ongoing crisis.
Since the crisis's onset, the NS has been closely engaged with governmental authorities at the highest levels, including the Prime Minister's Administration and local authorities who have highlighted the pressing need to support responding to the imminent and medium-term needs of the people who left for Armenia.