The government of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) is launching the first stage of a program to provide housing to families displaced in Azerbaijan's war against Karabakh, the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Migration reports.

Authorities said Monday, January 11 that renovated and furnished houses will be provided in the rural communities of Askeran, Martuni, Martakert and Shushi regions.

Families will get the opportunity to engage in agriculture according to their own preferences, the Ministry said, adding that the housing problem will be tackled within the coming months.

Since the cessation of hostilities in November, more than 48,000 people have returned to their permanent places of residence in Karabakh.