On 8 July, UNHCR, in collaboration with the Unified Social Service (USS) and the Migration and Citizenship Service (MSC), organized a session on “Understanding the rights and responsibilities of refugees in Armenia”. The focus was on refugees’ right to work and their access to state-registered employment opportunities in Armenia. The event brought together over 60 participants – USS employment experts from Yerevan and regions, private companies, partner NGOs and refugee jobseekers, employees, and entrepreneurs. The session also allowed to highlight best practices derived from the private sector’s involvement in the economic integration of refugees.
Mr. Kiri Atri, External Relations Officer at UNHCR Armenia, welcomed the participants with profound gratitude to our esteemed co-organizers, Unified Social Service (USS) and Migration and Citizenship Service (MSC). He lauded the Government of Armenia for its unwavering commitment to refugee protection, emphasizing the critical importance of today’s gathering. Mr. Atri underscored the USS specialists’ role as frontline champions, enabling refugees to rebuild their lives through sustainable livelihood opportunities. He also commended the private sector in Armenia for its pivotal support in integrating refugees into the community, marking a collaborative effort towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Special remarks were delivered by Ms. Tamara Torosyan, Deputy Head of Unified Social Services of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia. Ms. Torosyan echoed the sentiments, highlighting how these collaborations translate into real-world outcomes for refugees. “Together, we are not only opening doors to employment; we are creating pathways to belonging and self-sufficiency”. She highlighted the importance of continuous collaboration through organizing joint activities such as workshops, networking meetings with potential employers and employees, job fairs, and awareness-raising sessions.
Sessions throughout the morning provided in-depth insights into various aspects of refugee protection and their right to work. Ms. Marine Antonyan and Ms. Naira Marutyan from UNHCR Armenia delivered a comprehensive overview of the legal framework governing refugee protection in Armenia.
Another pivotal discussion centered on the right to work for refugees and asylum seekers, delivered by Mr. Vardan Matevosyan from the Migration and Citizenship Service. The session delved into legal procedures and employment processes designed to facilitate refugee integration into the Armenian workforce.
The event continued with a panel discussion on sharing best practices in the private sector, moderated by Anahit Hayrapetyan from UNHCR. The panel featured inspiring individuals dedicated to improving their communities: Artyom Gevorgyan, Head of Human Resources at Zvartnots International Airport; Ruzanna Arshakyan, Director of Human Resources at her department; and Anahit Gevorgyan, leading Public Relations and Marketing at Yeremyan Projects. Each shared their journey and commitment to making a positive impact through their work, highlighting the power of collaboration and innovation in fostering change.
“We are honoured to collaborate with USS and UNHCR to provide meaningful job opportunities for refugees, helping them find dignity, earn income, and contribute to our society,” remarked Mr. Artyom Gevorgyan, Human Resources Department Head of Zvartnots International Airport. He emphasized, “Supporting refugees not only fulfils our corporate responsibility but also enriches our team with diverse professional skills.”
Mr. Denis Laus, General Manager of Armenia Marriott Hotel, expressed profound gratitude: “Refugees bring invaluable cultural assets and expertise, fostering innovation that enhances our guest experience.” His words resonated with the audience, highlighting the transformative impact of inclusive hiring practices.
Ms. Anahit Gevorgyan, Head of Public Relations, and Marketing at Yeremyan Projects, shared the company’s good practice of skills uplifting initiatives and on-the-job trainings provided to refugees seeking jobs in the hospitality sphere in Armenia. “Many refugees have been able to find jobs or were hired by “Yeremyan Projects” after concluding a course at the company’s Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality. We therefore encourage the refugees, wishing to work at restaurants or cafes, or those planning to start a small bakery and culinary business, to benefit from these most practical and effective courses” Ms. Gevorgyan said.
Ms. Maral Shohmahlian, a displaced Syrian artisan and entrepreneur, shared her experience of working with refugee women engaged in embroidery and felt work. “We work together to create beautiful traditional souvenirs and earn income by making use of our handicraft skills and heritage,” she said. “It’s so nice to work in a group. We learn from and encourage each other. We also love that feeling of being connected with many communities in Armenia and the entire world – we create in Armenia, but our products often reach people on the other side of the globe,” Ms. Shohmahlian said with pride.
Their collective voices echoed through the room, illustrating how collaborative efforts between the private sector, UNHCR, and USS create pathways to empowerment and inclusion for refugees in Armenia. The panel discussion left a profound impression, reinforcing the transformative impact of such initiatives in building a more compassionate and supportive society.
The event concluded with a networking lunch, fostering connections among participants committed to enhancing refugee rights and integration in Armenia.
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