In this episode, we shine a spotlight on a deeply under-reported humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh (also known as Artsakh), situated in the South Caucasus. Historically predominantly inhabited by Armenians, Nagorno-Karabakh falls within the internationally recognised borders of Azerbaijan.

On September 19, 2023, after decades of simmering tension and warfare, Azerbaijan launched an offensive against the ethnic Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh. This offensive came after more than nine months of a complete blockade imposed by Azerbaijan, resulting in the displacement of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians. Prominent experts and humanitarian organisations have condemned this offensive as an act of ethnic cleansing.

This episode delves into the dire humanitarian situation in the region in the wake of these events and explores the future prospects for its ethnic Armenian population.

Speakers

• Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODI
• Lara Setrakian, journalist and Founder, Applied Policy Research Institute of Armenia
• Geoffrey Robertson, Human Rights barrister and co-head of Doughty Street Chambers
• Siranush Sargysan, freelance journalist from Nagorno-Karabakh

Resources

• Lessons from an unending conflict (The Daily podcast, New York Times)
• Resolution on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s attack and the continuing threats against Armenia (European Parliament)
• Nagorno-Karabakh resources (Human Rights Watch)
• Azerbaijan: Blockade of Lachin corridor putting thousands of lives in peril must be immediately lifted (Amnesty International)
• A humanitarian disaster is under way in Nagorno-Karabakh (The Economist)
• What cultural genocide looks like for Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh (TIME)