This paper, developed by the Armenian Lawyers’ Association (ALA), presents the existing challenges in the field of legal protection of forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh, as well as pathways for addressing them.
Over the course of one year of activity, by providing free legal counseling and maintaining continuous engagement with Armenians from Artsakh, the ALA has identified numerous systemic issues that hinder the effective protection of the rights of forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh. In cooperation with the CSO Network for the Protection of the Rights of Forcibly Displaced Persons from Artsakh, established within the framework of the program, practical recommendations have also been developed to address these challenges.
The paper addresses the following key areas:
-
Legal status – the need to clarify the legal status of forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh and to define the rights and guarantees deriving therefrom;
-
Social integration – challenges related to the social integration of Armenians from Artsakh into Armenian society and practical mechanisms to overcome them;
-
Housing – housing-related challenges and long-term solutions for ensuring adequate accommodation;
-
Documentation – specific issues related to personal documentation, restoration of property rights, and other administrative matters.
Key features of the paper
-
Evidence-based approach – the analysis is based on data collected through direct work with beneficiaries and the provision of legal counseling;
-
Systemic perspective – rather than fragmented interventions, the paper proposes comprehensive and coordinated approaches to addressing the challenges;
-
Feasible recommendations – practical and realistic recommendations are presented, taking into account existing resources and capacities.
This paper is of significant importance for improving policies aimed at protecting the rights of forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh. It serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, human rights organizations, and international partners seeking to address the challenges faced by displaced persons in a systematic manner.
The paper was developed by the Armenian Lawyers’ Association (ALA) within the framework of the program “Strengthening Mechanisms for the Protection of the Rights of Forcibly Displaced Persons from Nagorno-Karabakh,” with the financial support of the European Union (EU). The full study is available here.