Council of Europe Commissioner calls for sustained support and long-term integration measures for Karabakh Armenians displaced to Armenia
“Karabakh Armenians displaced to Armenia need sustained support and further integration measures”, says Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, releasing a memorandum today, following his visit to Armenia. While welcoming the initial response of the Armenian authorities to the displacement of Karabakh Armenians, the Commissioner makes recommendations as the situation transitions from an emergency phase to long-term integration.
The Commissioner notes positive steps taken by the authorities, including efforts to facilitate access to Armenian citizenship and dedicated support programmes. By February 2026, more than 20,000 Karabakh Armenians had obtained Armenian citizenship, with no applications processed by that date having been rejected. Temporary protection status remains available to those who have not yet acquired citizenship.
The government has supported the purchase of residential property, provided rental subsidies, and ensured that displaced pupils are enrolled in schools at the same rate as the general population. Employment and entrepreneurship programmes have complemented these initiatives.
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However, the Commissioner notes that “many Karabakh Armenians are still struggling to access full rights and opportunities in Armenia” and identifies several challenges.
Many Karabakh Armenians remain without Armenian citizenship, which limits their access to certain benefits and rights. The difficulties they face in restoring identity and other essential documents hinder their access to pensions, employment, education, and housing. Although housing support is significant, it remains limited for many due to the disparity between the cost of property in areas offering viable employment prospects and the level of support available. The recent reduction in monthly rental subsidies has caused concern within the displaced community. The Commissioner also notes the lack of a comprehensive integration strategy and the insufficient consultation with Karabakh Armenians on policies that affect their lives.
Drawing on his recent memorandum on violence against women in Armenia, the Commissioner notes that displaced women face heightened risks of violence as well as increased social and economic pressures, including those related to gender, marriage, and caregiving. “Women, especially those displaced and facing multiple forms of discrimination, have more difficulties accessing support and protection measures”, he says.
The right to return to the Karabakh region remains of importance to Karabakh Armenians. In the context of the ongoing peace process and its related sensitivities, the Commissioner invites the Armenian authorities to ensure that Karabakh Armenians are fully informed and supported in making free choices regarding their future.
The Commissioner’s recommendations to the Armenian authorities include, but are not limited to:
- Adopting a comprehensive, human rights based integration strategy, in consultation with Karabakh Armenians;
- Monitoring and adapting integration measures to meet the evolving needs of Karabakh Armenians, especially housing support and financial assistance, with particular attention to those belonging to vulnerable groups;
- Continuing to simplify and facilitate access to citizenship and the restoration of documents, and extending temporary protection as long as needed;
- Strengthening protection and support services for displaced women and girls.
The Commissioner calls for the continued engagement of the international community to help sustain progress in the integration of Karabakh Armenians.
