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CAFOD

Update on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

1 October 2023
Update on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

We are deeply concerned at the ongoing situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, a breakaway region which falls within the internationally recognised borders of Azerbaijan, and which is inhabited by ethnic Armenians.

In recent weeks there have been reports from the area of assaults by Azeri military forces. Longstanding tensions in the region have erupted after the blockade by the Azeri forces of the Lachin corridor, a mountain road which links the region with Armenia, and which is considered a humanitarian corridor to the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.

While media reports vary, there are suggestions that the trigger for the military offensive was a landmine explosion which killed six people.

In recent days, thousands of refugees have poured into Armenia, fleeing the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. It has been reported that over 70,000 refugees have fled in a matter of days.

CAFOD's team is closely monitoring the situation, in liaison with our colleagues in the Caritas Internationalis network. The local Catholic agency, Caritas Armenia, is assessing how best to respond to the initial needs of the displaced population.

Thanks to your support, we are sending €22,000 to Caritas Armenia to support their rapid response appeal.

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