Post-Conflict Resettlement in Karabakh: Rebuilding Livelihoods

Abstract

This short piece looks at the protracted displacement of Azerbaijanis from the Nagorno-Karabakh region — from their displacement in the first Karabakh War (1988-1994) to Azerbaijan's recapturing of IDP homelands in the Second Karabakh War (2020) to the ambitious 'Great Return' program recently undertaken by the Azerbaijani government. While acknowledging the government's strong commitment to post-conflict reconstruction, ensuring economic protections for IDPs, and supporting IDP return, the article highlights the formidable challenges that have slowed progress. The author makes specific recommendations for accelerating IDP return, including closer involvement of IDPs in the rebuilding process, granting IDPs more autonomy in home and community development, prioritizing skills training and sustainable livelihood development, and doing more to attract foreign direct investment to the region.