The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with other UN agencies and NGO partners, have appealed for over $97 million to provide urgent humanitarian aid and protection to forcibly displaced residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and those generously hosting them in Armenia, in support of the Government-led response, according to Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General.

The Armenia Emergency Refugee Response Plan was launched over the weekend. It covers relief efforts for a six-month period, until the end of March 2024. The joint plan aims to support 231,000 people including 136,000 refugees and 95,000 members of local host communities. The plan takes into account the upcoming harsh winter months, when critical support will be required.

UNHCR said earlier that another two trucks with humanitarian aid arrived in Armenia, carrying essential items such as blankets, foldable beds and mattresses, hygiene items, solar lamps and kitchen sets.

On September 19, Azerbaijan launched a military offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh, which left hundreds of Armenians killed and thousands of others displaced. On September 20, the authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh agreed to a ceasefire on Azerbaijan’s terms, including the dissolution of the Defense Army. On September 18, President of the Republic of Artsakh Samvel Shahramanyan signed a decree, according to which the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) will cease to exist by January 1, 2024. As of 1 October, 100,625 displaced residents have already fled Nagorno-Karabakh and reached Armenia.