The number of refugees fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh has risen daily since Azerbaijan began its hostile occupation. The Armenian government reported more than 100,000 refugees have poured into Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh as of 1 October.
Already, the leadership of the Armenian Catholic Church and Caritas have contacted Catholic Near East Welfare Association for help to assist those who are rushing to leave the region, most with nothing but the clothes on their backs and no guarantee of safety, as the Azerbaijani military consolidate the once Armenian-dominated enclave.
CNEWA is committed to assisting our partners on the ground. As the situation develops, we will be monitoring updates and reporting on the CNEWA blog.
CNEWA’s Response
- CNEWA launched an emergency appeal to benefit refugees of Nagorno-Karabakh in Armenia through CNEWA’s partners, namely Caritas Armenia and the Ordinariate of the Armenian Catholic Church.
- CNEWA’s current goal is to raise an initial amount of at least $100,000 in emergency funds for Armenia.
- Per the requests of its partners, CNEWA-raised funds will support the transition of individuals and families from the occupied region into life in Armenia, including shelter, food and winter kits with clothes, blankets and space heaters.
- Already, Caritas Armenia is providing essential aid and shelter to 33 families (150 people) in Torosgyugh in the Shirak region, distributing 3,000 ready-to-eat food packages in Vayk, and providing psychosocial support, food and hygiene packages and folding beds.
CNEWA in Armenia
- CNEWA has offered support to refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh since conflict in the contested region escalated in 2020 during the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War.
- CNEWA works closely with the Armenian Catholic Ordinariate and Caritas Armenia in their efforts, helping to care for the elderly, the poor and the displaced; supporting child care programs; providing access to health care, especially for those living in the remote north; and assistance for those with special needs.
To learn more about CNEWA’s work in Armenia and its response to this situation, watch Msgr. Peter I. Vaccari’s emergency edition of “Connections With Msgr. Peter.”