Who are the people of Nagorno-Karabakh? Why do they need your help?

Nestled on the eastern side of the Armenian Highlands, Nagorno-Karabakh is one of the northeastern historic provinces of Greater Armenia. This land cradles around 4,000 cultural monuments: 370 Armenian churches, 119 fortresses, countless monasteries, chapels, tombs and khachkars. Here lies the ancient city of Tigranakert, founded by the Armenian King Tigranes the Great (95–55 BC). Nagorno-Karabakh stands as a testament to Armenian civilization and national identity. Throughout its long history, it has been predominantly populated by ethnic Armenians who have witnessed the rise and fall of numerous empires and endured bloody wars and massacres. Yet the indomitable spirit of its people remains unbroken: hospitable, warm-hearted and resilient.

In the 20th century, the formation of the USSR saw only a small part of the historical region included in the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast within the Azerbaijan SSR.

After the Soviet Union’s collapse, the early 1990s saw the first war, resulting in the de facto independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. Then came the second war, the 44-day war of 2020, bringing devastating territorial and human losses to this unrecognized state. But worse was yet to come.

In December 2022, the Lachin corridor, Nagorno-Karabakh’s “road to life,” the sole artery connecting it to Armenia and the world, was blocked. This nine-month blockade spawned a humanitarian crisis: the flow of food, medicine and humanitarian aid was cut off, and gas and electricity supplies were disrupted for months. Despite these conditions, the will of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to live and create in their homeland remained unbroken.

On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched a new offensive, forcing more than 100,000 Armenians to flee their homeland, leaving behind their homes and almost all their belongings. They lost everything: their houses, financial resources and personal belongings.

They found refuge in Armenia, but despite the tremendous efforts of their compatriots and government programs, their psychological, financial and medical needs remain unmet. The key issue they face is the lack of permanent housing. Adults and children alike look to the future with hopelessness, their lives overshadowed by the fundamental problem of finding a home.

These people deserve the chance to rebuild their lives and their dreams. Our charity program aims to provide families from Nagorno-Karabakh with permanent homes in Armenia, a foundation for peace and confidence in a brighter tomorrow.

Even a small donation can bring them closer to a safe and secure future.