In a statement marking World Refugee Day, Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed solidarity with every person forced to leave their home.

“On World Refugee Day, we highlight the importance of coordinated international efforts to uphold refugee rights and address their challenges. Only through genuine cooperation and shared responsibility can we achieve lasting solutions.

Armenia stands in solidarity with every person who has been forced to flee their home. We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the integration of refugees into our social, cultural, and economic development. By addressing their needs, we invest in the resilience and growth of our communities,” the ministry said.

On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale offensive against Artsakh, subjecting the entire region to heavy shelling. The following day, September 20, Artsakh authorities accepted a ceasefire proposal by the Russian peacekeeping mission’s command and agreed to Baku’s terms, which included disarmament and the dissolution of the Republic of Artsakh.

Starting on September 24, mass forced displacement of Armenians from Artsakh began, with over 100,000 people fleeing to Armenia. Reports suggest only about 20 Armenians remained in Artsakh. On September 28, President Samvel Shahramanyan signed a decree formally dissolving the Republic of Artsakh, effective January 1, 2024.