The Armenian government has approved a decision to adopt the “Self-Employment Promotion Program for Persons Displaced from Karabakh” at a cabinet meeting. The initiative was included among non-reported agenda items.

The program proposes implementing a self-employment promotion scheme for persons displaced from Karabakh, with the aim of supporting their economic stabilization, reducing migration risks, and contributing to the creation of new jobs.

The initiative envisages business training and mentoring support for up to 12 months, as well as grants of up to 2 million drams for the implementation of business projects.

According to the government’s assessment, the program will provide self-employment opportunities to around 200 displaced individuals.

On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale attack against Artsakh, placing the entire territory under intensive artillery fire. One day later, on September 20, the Artsakh authorities accepted a ceasefire proposal by the command of the Russian peacekeeping mission, agreeing to Baku’s conditions, including the disarmament of the Defense Army and the dissolution of the Republic of Artsakh. From September 24, the forced displacement of Artsakh residents began, with more than 100,000 people forcibly displaced to Armenia.