On September 27, 2020, Azerbaijan began relentless attacks on Artsakh. Drone strikes, shellings, and gunfire were constantly leveled at military and civilian targets alike. Throughout the month of October and into November, tens of thousands of Artsakhtsis (mostly women and children) sought refuge in Armenia, often fleeing their homes in the dead of night with only what they could carry or cram into crowded cars or buses. They found shelter in hotels, guesthouses, and the homes of gracious Armenian hosts, who all welcomed them without hesitation and whole-heartedly.

a controversial agreement in place between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia aimed at ending the violence in Artsakh, the people of Artsakh faced an uncertain future. Whether they were opting to remain in Armenia for the moment or attempting to return to Artsakh, their needs were growing and more pressing with each day. What had began as emergency measures to house tens of thousands of people fleeing a war zone was turned into a precarious situation which could slip into a humanitarian crisis.

But Ayo! was there to support them.

With the help of amazing partners, like FAR (of course), SOS Children Villages Armenia, Focus on Children Now, Armenian Fund for Sustainable Development, Arabkir Medical Center, and the Women’s Resource Center of Armenia  Ayo! provided the most useful assistance possible to the people of Artsakh. Thanks to you we were able to provide and connect nearly 4,000 people with shelter, heat, clothing, food, hygiene supplies, asthma medication—essential and basic needs.

The remaining amount will be spent in the coming weeks based on the needs, so more to come from us on that.