After the decades-old situation in Karabakh flared up again last week, the number of people fleeing to Armenia is on the rise. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, expresses deep concern about this development and classifies the situation as an emergency.   

By last night, the government of Armenia reported that more than 100,000 people had already arrived at the borders since September 23. This has led to long queues. Among the refugees are many children and the elderly, who are particularly vulnerable. People are exhausted, traumatized and in urgent need of warm clothes and emergency shelter, as freezing temperatures prevail at night. In addition, psychosocial support is also urgently needed.   

UNHCR calls for the protection of civilians and full compliance with international humanitarian and refugee law. The UN refugee agency and its partners are assisting the Armenian government to coordinate assistance to the refugees. UNHCR has already delivered folding beds, mattresses and bedding. Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said that UNHCR convoys are on their way with more aid and that UNHCR is already mobilizing more resources. 
 
Global support is needed for this - also from Switzerland. 
It is the task of Switzerland for UNHCR, UNHCR's national partner in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, to make the Swiss population aware of the situation of refugees. We also raise resources to help fund UNHCR's relief programs.  

People who are forced to leave their homes have no other choice. By making a donation, all who wish can support them.