In September 2023, more than 115,000 ethnic Armenians were displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, losing their homes, livelihoods, businesses, and professional networks. While immediate humanitarian needs have largely been addressed, many families continue to face significant economic and social barriers to rebuild their lives.
A survey from 2025by UNHCR foundthat 50% of refugee households remain unemployed, and that 29% of these households are actively looking for employment opportunities butare unable to secure them. Many refugeespossess valuable skills and entrepreneurial experience but struggle to re-establish their livelihoods due to limited resources,insufficient knowledge of local markets, and weak business networks. With tailored support, however, they can create new opportunities for themselves, their families, and communities.
We will build on previous experience of many displaced people and support them through entrepreneurship trainingand mentorship, equipment, networking opportunities, and guidance on the legal formalities of their businesses. The assistancewill be complemented by mental health and psychosocial support to helpparticipants regain confidence, strengthen resilience, and navigate the challenges of displacement.
With this support,vulnerable refugee households from Nagorno-Karabakhwill gain access to sustainable employment opportunities, expand viable income-generating activities, andachieve greater independence.At the same time, we will encourage joint economic initiatives between displaced families and host communities,helping to strengthen social cohesionand build stronger and more inclusive communities.
