The Australian Government will provide $500,000 to the United Nation’s refugee agency, UNHCR to alleviate the suffering of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians who fled the region following Azerbaijan’s recent military escalation.
Australia is deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation and the welfare of the more than 100,000 people from Nagorno-Karabakh now in Armenia. Australia’s contribution will be delivered by the UNHCR to help provide shelter and supplies to refugees and host communities.
On 11 October 2023, Australia joined the Joint Statement on the Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh at the 54th Session of the Human Rights Council, supporting the rights and security of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians.
Australia has been clear that we expect Azerbaijan should guarantee the rights and security of the inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh, including those who may wish to return from Armenia.
Australia supports mediation efforts to secure a just and lasting peace. A peace agreement would recognise the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Armenia and Azerbaijan and uphold the rights and security of Armenians who have remained in Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as those who may wish to return in the future.
The Australian Government continues to monitor the situation closely.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:
“Australia remains deeply concerned by the unfolding humanitarian situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region in Azerbaijan and the welfare of its inhabitants who may have left for Armenia.”
“Australia is providing $500,000 in humanitarian aid to assist Nagorno-Karabakh residents who left for Armenia after Azerbaijan’s military escalation in September, which will be used to help provide shelter and supplies to refugees and host communities.”
“Australia opposes any military escalation in the region, and we continue to call on Armenia and Azerbaijan to negotiate a just and lasting peace.”
Minister for International Development and the Pacific, The Hon Pat Conroy MP said:
“It was deeply distressing to see the thousands of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians displaced by conflict.
“This contribution of $500,000 to UNHCR will ensure humanitarian support and supplies go where they are most needed.”