UNHCR says the Conflict in Syria Impacts Armenia

Destruction in the aftermath of fighting in Aleppo, Syria (Source: SANA)

(ArmRadio)””Global displacement figures remain at highest levels since the end of the Second World War, giving an alarming picture on the state of our world and indicate the failures in conflict resolution and prevention efforts and advancing human rights protection. Over 60 million people are currently forcibly displaced. The conflict in Syria, only one of the many global trouble spots, has impacted and still impacts Armenia. The war has reached its fifth year, and despite renewed and enhanced efforts of the international community, peace is not in sight. On the contrary, recent fighting in Aleppo resulted in ongoing suffering and many victims included civilians. Flight from the Syrian conflict zones continue albeit refugees facing more and more challenges in accessing safety. Non-governmental organization partners report that about 550 destitute Syrian-Armenians have registered with them seeking support in traveling to Armenia. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its partners are ready and willing to offer initial humanitarian assistance, including by way of provision of temporary rental subsidies upon arrival.

The escalation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in early April 2016 has also caused renewed destruction, human suffering and displacement, including within Armenian borders. The overwhelming majority of the displaced population consists of women, children and elderly, most of whom originate from the most affected villages close to the line of contact such as Talish and Mataghis villages of Martakert region. Many of them have specific needs, such as pregnant and lactating women or persons suffering from sickness or disability. Most of the displaced families are currently being hosted by relatives or family friends often belonging to the poorer socio-economic class. The UNHCR was impressed by the high level of hospitality and support extended to the displaced by the host communities and likes to express its sincere gratitude to all who have assisted and continue to do so.

The UNHCR in close cooperation with the State Migration Service and the Social Protection Units, who work on identification and registration also involving local authorities, local NGOs and volunteers, quickly developed an assistance program through which a modest stipend was offered to over 400 families (1429 persons) to address their most urgent needs. It is observed that an increasing number of the displaced have returned or are considering return to Artsakh, but the UNHCR would like to emphasize that the voluntary nature of return must be respected. The UNHCR closely liaises with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) colleagues to offer assistance after return to Nagorno-Karabakh.

The UNHCR is pleased to note that since World Refugee Day, some significant progress has been made in improving the Armenian refugee legislation. Important amendments to the Law on Refugees and Asylum came into force in January 2016. It has since been crucial to move swiftly in adopting the necessary bylaws. UNHCR is pleased to share with you that the State Migration Service has engaged in drafting an Integration Strategy. It is crucial that the draft strategy will be discussed and finalized with the involvement of all relevant government, international organizations and civil society stakeholders with a view to ensure broad ownership for the strategy, harmonize approaches, utilize synergies and to gain donor support. The UNHCR has supported the initiative since its inception and is ready to support the consultation and finalization process. The organization also notes with concern that attention given to the difficult security of the country has led to case of a prolonged detention of asylum-seekers of non-Christian backgrounds. The UNHCR calls upon the authorities to address legitimate security concerns in a manner compatible with international refugee law and regional and international human rights law.

On the occasion of World Refugee Day, the UNHCR Representative in Armenia, Christoph Bierwirth emphasised that “Refugees need understanding for their plight, solidarity and support everywhere in the world, so in Armenia.”