Armenia and Azerbaijan have a long history of conflict and border dispute in the state of Nagorno-Karabakh, otherwise known as the Artsakh region. Conflict between the two countries intensified in September of 2023 when Azerbaijani forces infiltrated the region. This resulted in over 120,000 ethnic Armenians abandoning their homes and fleeing into Armenia, fearing persecution.
120,000+ DISPLACED
This massive influx of people into Armenia quickly overwhelmed the country’s social service systems. The number of people in need of housing and employment simply outweighs the quantity of available housing and jobs. This is causing many to live with families or host families, or in crowded apartments where they struggle to pay rent. Although the government has made attempts to aid those who were forcibly displaced, many are still in need of assistance. Lack of housing and employment opportunities are some of the biggest issues facing displaced people.
With a lack of income, general poverty and a lack of access to basics like food and hygiene items are consequently widespread. In response to this crisis, GlobalMedic has been sending our Rapid Response Teams to Armenia to distribute much needed aid in the form of locally procured food hampers. These food hampers have contained a variety of different food items such as pasta, coffee, rice, jam, oatmeal, oil, canned beef and other pantry food items. GlobalMedic has distributed more than 5,000 food hampers to displaced families throughout this response.