Hundreds of Artsakh families at risk of homelessness by end of July, deputy speaker warns

Deputy Speaker of the Artsakh National Assembly Gagik Bagunts warns that hundreds of displaced Artsakh families may be left homeless by the end of July due to the Armenian government’s decision to end the monthly housing aid.

“I believe that hundreds, if not thousands, of displaced Artsakh families may end up homeless by the end of July,” Bagunts told Panorama.am at a protest outside the Armenian government building on Monday.

The demonstration followed a sit-in and rally in Yerevan’s Liberty Square on Sunday, where displaced families gathered to voice their concerns over the termination of the 40,000-dram monthly housing allowance.

Many displaced families, like the 9-member Alaverdyan family now renting in the village of Tairov, are struggling to survive. Despite both parents working, they cannot afford basic necessities or cover rent and utilities without state aid. “We’re barely making it. If rent support ends, we’ll have no choice but to go into debt, or worse,” Ellada Alaverdyan said.

Council member Saida Poghosyan emphasized that many Artsakh Armenians are working, but under the current economic pressures, survival without government assistance is nearly impossible. She called for continued rent support until permanent housing is found and special status for those affected by the deadly 2023 fuel depot explosion in Stepanakert.

“It’s unfair to claim that the Artsakh people don’t work. Many of us do. But without help, we can’t make it,” she said.