Nagorno-Karabakh: Ethnic Armenians leave amid cleansing fear

The recent escalation between the Armenian and Azerbaijani Forces in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh brought international focus to the decades-old issue between the two countries. According to the Armenian media, more than 1,000 Ethnic Armenians have crossed the border into Armenia, fearing a potential genocide that might be carried out in the area. The disputed region is recognized by international powers to be a part of Azerbaijan, but for a time, it has been controlled by the Ethnic Armenians. This article will give you a glimpse of how things stand in the region that has been disputed for too long. 

1. Displacement and Humanitarian Concerns

People abandoning their homeland and crossing the border into Armenia has intensified with the recent attacks conducted by Azerbaijan. On the other hand, the Armenian Government has announced plans to effectively deal with the immigrants, providing them with all the necessary resources. It is reported that some people have been equipped with facilities under these plans. However, there are still many with highly inadequate supplies. 

 

Armenia has stated in their official response that they fear there will be a genocide in the region. In this regard, the Armenian Premier noted that with little resistance on display and seeing the attitude of Azerbaijan, many more will leave the area in the following times. In the bigger picture, the current situation of Ethnic Armenians in the region is an alarming sign for the international power brokers. 

2. International Involvement and Russia’s Role

Nagorno-Karabakh’s conflict is not solely the issue of two countries, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenia, in particular, has enjoyed support from a giant friend,  Russia. Russia has made its military presence felt in the region for years now. The recent attack by Azerbaijani Forces resulted in the deaths of five Russian peacekeepers, worsening the situation further. 

 

The perception that Russia did not come to Armenia’s defense during the conflict has given birth to criticism and fueled speculation about Moscow’s stance. Prime Minister Pashinyan hinted at this issue in his televised address, suggesting that Russia may not have fully supported Armenia during the crisis. Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, dismissed these claims as “ludicrous” and stated that Yerevan and Baku had effectively settled the situation. The role of Russia and its influence in the region remain significant factors in understanding the ongoing dynamics.

 

3. Uncertain Future and Global Concerns

The fate of Nagorno-Karabakh and its residents hangs in the balance, with Armenia claiming that there can be a genocide of Ethnic Armenians. As things stand, Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to a ceasefire. The human rights situation remained dire as they decided to call back the forces. Thus far, only one aid delivery has been allowed.

 

International concerns are growing about the well-being of those directly or indirectly affected by the conflict. Ethnic Armenian leaders have said in a statement that there are thousands of older men, women, and children with inadequate food, medication, and shelter supplies. The international community, including organizations such as the United Nations, faces the momentous challenge of addressing these pressing humanitarian needs.

Conclusion:

The recent developments in Nagorno-Karabakh have reignited a long-standing conflict with consequences not limited to the countries involved directly. The migration of Ethnic Armenians from the war-trodden region brings a sword of uncertainty to their safety, and the role of international actors, particularly Russia, has all contributed to further complicating the situation. As the world watches the tragic events, the dire need for humanitarian assistance and diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis can be deemed as the need of the hour. The future of Nagorno-Karabakh and its residents is highly uncertain, with far-reaching impacts on the stability of the whole region and global relations.