Armenian Christians Fled Ethnic Cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh

In September 2023, Azerbaijani forces launched a military offensive that overwhelmed the majority Armenian Christian region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Entire communities—some rooted in the land for centuries—were forced to flee under the threat of violence and intimidation.  

Now displaced in Armenia, they are grieving the loss of homes, land, and history. Shai Fund is on the ground equipping these refugees with the necessary aid to rebuild their lives after the abuses inflicted on them because of their faith and ethnic background.  

What is the Nagorno-Karabakh region?  

Nagorno-Karabakh is a mountainous region within Azerbaijan but predominantly inhabited by Armenians. Situated within the Republic of Artsakh, Azerbaijan rejected the region’s self-determination in 1991 and launched a destructive war that lasted 3 years. The Armenians continued to see violent intrusions and escalations from Azerbaijan who targeted the region’s Christian population. 

Most recently in September 2023, Azerbaijan launched an offensive, forcibly taking control of Nagorno-Karabakh. Churches and cultural monuments were destroyed. Reports of sexual violence were rampant. Armenian Christians were faced with a stark choice: leave or face an ethnic cleansing.  

In less than two weeks, Nagorno-Karabakh saw over 120,000 Christian Armenians forced from their ancient homeland. Seeking refuge in Armenia, these families face the daunting challenge of rebuilding from nothing.  

A Rapid and Grounded Response  

Through Shai Fund’s livelihood project, refugees will receive grants to restart businesses, earn an income, and rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. The overarching goal is to strengthen both individual and systemic economic and social resilience among the displaced community. 

Shai Fund remains committed to walking alongside displaced Armenian Christians for the long road ahead. Because true compassion doesn’t stop at survival. It helps people rebuild.