Karabakh displaced persons confronting fresh life circumstances
In a way that hits close to home for Shushanik Hayriyan, Caldwell, Idaho, bears a resemblance to her village, Sighnag, in Nagorno-Karabakh. The open spaces and clear skies evoke memories of her family's farm, a world away in distance but not in spirit. Hayriyan, who has been named after the highlands of Shusha, a city now under Azerbaijani control following the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, is among the thousands of Karabakhi Armenians who, despite being forced to flee to Armenia last September, persevere in their quest for a brighter future.
Amidst the uncertainty of her homeland's future, Hayriyan tries to remain optimistic, although she acknowledges that her family's return is unlikely. Her father, a man who built his own business and houses, lost everything in a matter of weeks. The emotional strain of this loss often proves too difficult to discuss, Hayriyan shares, with survivors still in a state of shock.
The United Nations International Court of Justice has ruled that Azerbaijan must allow refugees to return if they so desire. Yet, despite the declaration of the right to return by authorities in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and international institutions, 80% of Armenian refugees do not believe that they will ever have this opportunity, according to Gegham Stepanyan, the former human rights ombudsman of the de facto Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
Stepanyan points out that the hope for refugees lies in their potential return; however, the sense of safety necessary to achieve this goal feels distant for many. Faced with the options of staying in Armenia, where it is challenging to adapt to new surroundings, or migrating onwards, shutting the door to any possibility of return, refugees confront a difficult reality.
Life in Armenia has proven to be a difficult journey for refugees, with Stepanyan noting that despite being ethnic Armenians, they possess different cultural peculiarities, such as their dialect and cuisine. Yerevan-based human rights lawyer, Siranush Sahakyan, who has worked with refugees, agrees, stating that the idea of returning to Karabakh seems impossible to many due to 'security concerns.' These fears stem from vivid memories of atrocities committed during the first Karabakh war. To enable their return, refugees seek comprehensive security guarantees, including an international presence, human rights organization field operations, and autonomy to handle local affairs.
The financial struggle is palpable for refugees in Armenia, which was their natural destination following displacement. Aid workers argue that the state budget is stretched thin and cannot cover the gaps for refugees, with many relying on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-state actors for support. Life in cities like Yerevan can be particularly tough, with limited job opportunities and a higher cost of living, compounded by Armenia's 12 percent unemployment rate and more than a quarter of the population living below the poverty line.
The situation is just as challenging in the countryside, where many refugees were farmers before displacement. They lament the inferior quality of soil in Armenia compared to Karabakh and the lack of access to enough arable land. According to aid worker Sirina Hajjar-Bakunts, many refugees are moving due to the lack of job opportunities.
Russia has emerged as the prime destination for those leaving Armenia, owing to its proximity and accessibility. As Stepanyan sees it, refugees must remain in Armenia to preserve any chance of returning to Karabakh. The priority should be incentivizing refugees to stay in Armenia, offering hope for a possible return in the future.
- Amidst the ongoing political discussions about the future of Nagorno-Karabakh, Shushanik Hayriyan, a refugee living in Armenia, holds on to hope, despite her doubts about returning to her homeland.
- The UN International Court of Justice's ruling, while offering some hope for refugees, seems distant as 80% of Armenian refugees remain skeptical about ever being able to return.
- The financial struggles faced by refugees in Armenia are compounded by limited job opportunities, a high cost of living, and insufficient state support, pushing many to consider migration.
- As many refugees explore opportunities in Russia for better prospects, human rights advocates like Gegham Stepanyan and Siranush Sahakyan stress the importance of encouraging refugees to stay in Armenia, ensuring a brighter future for potential returns.
