The Humanitarian Crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) - 2023
Artsakh refugees - source: Reuters
What Has Happened in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh)?
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Armenian-populated region of Nagorno-Karabakh has remained a point of contention in an enduring dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Situated as an enclave within the territorial borders of the latter, this region has been home to an Armenian population for centuries.
Despite intermittent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan since 1988, territorial control remained relatively stable. For nearly three decades following the conclusion of the First Karabakh War in 1994, Nagorno-Karabakh operated as a de facto independent state, recognised by Armenians as the Republic of Artsakh, with a population of no less than 120,000.
However, in September 2020, a brief but intense forty-four-day war broke out. During this time, the Azerbaijani government launched a determined military offensive with the goal of definitively asserting control over the Republic of Artsakh and reinstating Azerbaijani sovereignty in the region. This conflict is now referred to as the Second Karabakh War and concluded with a ceasefire brokered by the Russian Federation, with the involvement of the governments of both the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan.
As stipulated in the ceasefire agreement, the Armenian government relinquished control of the territory situated between the borders of the Armenian Republic and Nagorno-Karabakh. Meanwhile, Russia assumed the responsibility of a peacekeeping mission aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the Armenian population residing in a geographically isolated yet Armenian-inhabited area. A critical element of this accord centred on the safeguarding of the Lachin Corridor, the sole and indispensable route connecting mainland Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh).
Yet despite the ceasefire of 2020, the Azerbaijani government maintained relentless pressure on the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. In December 2022, tensions erupted in another major escalation. Azerbaijani forces imposed a nine-month blockade on the Lachin Corridor route, causing dire shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and essential supplies for the Armenian population of Artsakh. By August 2023, the United Nations declared a humanitarian crisis. The situation worsened on September 19th, 2023, when the Azerbaijani government initiated an aggressive large-scale military operation, effectively violating the 2020 ceasefire agreement. This brief but devastating conflict led to the tragic loss of hundreds of Armenian civilians and armed forces. A new ceasefire was brokered the next day, compelling exhausted Artsakh Armenians to surrender, disband their military defence, and dismantle their government.
Over 100,000 Armenian refugees have now been forced to leave their homes, driven by well-founded fears of ethnic cleansing perpetrated by Azerbaijani forces. These concerns are rooted in the historical pattern of Azerbaijani authorities' disregard and violence against the Armenian population in Artsakh. Armenia is now confronted with an unparalleled refugee crisis, as approximately 85% of the Artsakhi population seeks refuge within Armenian borders. Regrettably, these developments mark the latest tragic chapter in the long history of displacement endured by Armenians. The harrowing events of September 2023 are reminiscent of the violent ethnic cleansing and forced migrations that followed the First Karabakh War, when over half a million Armenians and Azerbaijanis were compelled to abandon their towns, villages, lands, and homes.
What Sets the Latest Conflict Apart?
Amid significant pressure from Azerbaijan, the Armenian authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh officially decided to dissolve the Republic of Artsakh in September 2023, effective from January 2024, with indications that this decision will be irreversible. The full repercussions of this action are still unclear.
Presently, political and humanitarian organisations across the world grapple with uncertainties surrounding the fate of Artsakh's cultural heritage. With the Armenian custodians no longer able to safeguard the land, concerns about potential violations by the Azerbaijani government have arisen. Additionally, the Azerbaijani government continues to deny UNESCO access to Nagorno-Karabakh and its environs, impeding efforts to conduct fact-finding and inventory missions critical to preserving the region's extensive and unique Armenian heritage.
Cultural Loss
Armenia's rich contribution to Artsakh's heritage encompasses around 4,000 cultural sites, including 370 churches, 119 fortresses, and numerous other landmarks of profound historical significance to the Armenian people. Among these, the Amaras Monastery stands out, with roots dating back to the fourth century and a historical connection to the birth of the Armenian alphabet.
Concerns about the future of these cherished monuments resonate globally. The Azerbaijani government's track record reveals a troubling lack of regard for Armenian cultural heritage. This disregard became glaringly evident through numerous post-conflict recordings in 2020, documented by entities such as the European Parliament, Cornell University, Monument Watch, among others, showcasing the destruction of ancient sites. The widely publicised case of the bulldozed Julfa Cemetery in the Nakhichevan region drew international outrage and raised alarms among concerned organisations worldwide. In light of past actions lacking significant consequences or sanctions, both governmental and non-governmental entities worldwide ponder whether Azerbaijani authorities will persist in their attempts to manipulate, reshape, and erase Armenians from the region's historical narrative.
Amaras Monastery - source: Armenian Weekly
Destruction of a St. Hovhannes Church of Dirnis/Berdak in Nakhichevan and consequent replacement for a Mosque.
More resources related to cultural heritage in Artsakh
The Role of the Armenian Institute
The Armenian Institute in London remains unwavering in its commitment to its fundamental mission: fostering an understanding and appreciation of Armenian culture and heritage through educational endeavours. This includes raising awareness about the profound historical significance and creative accomplishments of Armenian culture in Nagorno-Karabakh, without diminishing the contributions of other peoples. In the months ahead, the Institute will further extend its assistance to Artsakh. This support will encompass facilitating humanitarian aid initiatives and organising special events designed to initiate dialogues, exchange insights, and disseminate knowledge about the historical and cultural importance of the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) region for Armenians.
The Armenian Institute is facilitating a list of trusted charities you can donate to, in order to support the humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in the territory:
Armenian Red Cross workers attending the refugees of Artsakh. Source - Reuters