Restore Hope and Dignity for Displaced Armenian Christians

In 2023, nearly 120,000 Armenian Christians from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) were ethnically cleansed and forcibly displaced into Armenia. This mass exodus was precipitated by violent military offensives, blockades, and systematic persecution by Azerbaijani forces. The humanitarian crisis has been described as an unprecedented exodus, with families facing grave uncertainty and trauma as they are uprooted from their ancestral lands.

The displacement of Armenians from Artsakh is part of a broader pattern of repression that has spanned over decades. Following Azerbaijan's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the Armenian Christian population in the region has steadily diminished due to targeted violence, forced migrations, and cultural erasure. From an estimated 500,000 Armenians living in the region, today the population has been reduced to zero. This represents the culmination of 30 years of systematic persecution.

The Armenian Christian community in Artsakh has roots that date back to AD 301, making them one of the oldest Christian groups in the world. Over the centuries, they have faced invasions, oppression, and forced migration, but this current crisis is particularly alarming. For the first time in over 1,700 years, no Armenians remain in the region, marking a devastating chapter in the history of Christian presence in Azerbaijan.

Since December 2022, the blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijani forces has escalated the situation, cutting off essential supplies and trapping the population in increasingly dire conditions. In September 2023, a military offensive led to large-scale violence, including targeted attacks, forced evictions, and the destruction of homes and infrastructure. Torture and mistreatment were reported as Armenians attempted to flee, with many forced to seek refuge in Armenia. Along with the physical violence, the systematic destruction of Armenian cultural and religious sites, including churches and monasteries, further compounded the trauma of displacement. International organizations like UNESCO have documented the extensive damage to Armenia’s Christian heritage in the region.

This ongoing humanitarian crisis has left tens of thousands of Armenian Christians displaced, with few international efforts to address their plight. Despite their ancient ties to the land, the community now faces the daunting challenge of rebuilding their lives in Armenia. They urgently need material support, access to essential services, and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

This project will provide essential aid and support to the displaced Armenian Christians from Artsakh by focusing on three targeted initiatives designed to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery. Through improving living conditions, and restoring livelihoods, Armenian Christians will be able to regain financial independence, support their families sustainably and preserve cultural and religious identity.  

We are working with a local church in Armenia who is a trusted local partner with a proven track record of supporting the poor and displaced. The church not only distributes aid but also offers spiritual support to families, helping them rebuild both physically and emotionally. Together, we are ensuring every dollar is used effectively and every need is met with care and accountability.