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European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

Azerbaijan: helping conflict-affected families through the winter

The 6-week long Karabakh conflict in 2020 has resulted in several thousands of casualties, including civilian deaths and injuries.

More than a year after the end of the conflict, thousands of people still need humanitarian and early recovery assistance to rebuild their lives.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation of already vulnerable families, and the presence of mines continues to pose safety risks to the civilian population.

Thanks to EU humanitarian funding, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has distributed core relief items to conflict affected people in Azerbaijan just before the onset of the winter.

Delivered by the Social Services Agency, UNHCR’s local partner, around 19,000 conflict-affected people benefited from this assistance.

Man taking out bags out of a van
UNHCR distributed blankets, tarpaulins, solar lamps, kitchen sets, hygiene kits and winter gloves to 19,000 conflict-affected people in Azerbaijan thanks to EU humanitarian funding.
© European Union, 2022 (photographer: Tofiq Babayev)
Aid worker talking to an elder woman in the street
35-year-old Matanat's husband was one of the civilian victims of the 2020 conflict. Matanat, a mother of 3, is living in Barda district in western Azerbaijan. The items she received will help Matanat and her kids get through this winter.
© European Union, 2022 (photographer: Tofiq Babayev)
Eltaj and Eljad are looking at the items delivered by UNHCR
8-year-old Eltaj and 12-year-old Eljad are looking at the items delivered by UNHCR. The family received blankets, tarpaulins, kitchen sets and hygiene kits, but Eltaj and Eljad are most excited about the winter gloves.
© European Union, 2022 (photographer: Tofiq Babayev)
Photo of Sehran
72-year-old Sehran lost her son, who was volunteering for the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society in the conflict. She and her grandchildren are struggling to make ends meet. “We needed all of the items you delivered,” Sehran says.
© European Union, 2022 (photographer: Tofiq Babayev)
Aid worker talking to Agca and her husband.
76-year-old Agca and her family of 7 are living in western Azerbaijan. Agca’s daughter was killed when a rocket hit near their home and destroyed their house and belongings.
© European Union, 2022 (photographer: Tofiq Babayev)
Family sitting around a table
“Thanks to the support of the government, the EU and humanitarian organisations, we could cover our most urgent needs,” says Sevine, Agca’s 25-year-old granddaughter. “It helps our community because it makes us feel that we are not alone.”
© European Union, 2022 (photographer: Tofiq Babayev)

Story by Begüm Iman, EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.
Publication date: 15/02/2022

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