On August 27, officials from UNHCR and the US Embassy in Yerevan visited Sevan and Chambarak communities of Gegharkunik region of Armenia. They met with the local authorities and interacted with refugees to understand their situation, evolving needs and vision for the future.
The visit began with an on-site observation of the distribution of clothing to the refugees – donation of UNHCR’s corporate partner, Nike, through USA for UNHCR. The distribution was carried out at the culture club of Sevan town by UNHCR’s partner Mission Armenia NGO, in cooperation with Sevan Municipality.
For many refugees the donation meant much more than just clothing. “We are thankful for receiving such nice-looking and best quality clothes. My little sons are thrilled – they were always dreaming to wear Nike sport clothes. They can’t wait to put on these nice shirts and go outside to play football with their friends,” said a refugee mother, thanking UNHCR for ongoing attention and care. In these remote areas, where resources are limited, such support not only addresses immediate needs but also enables children to participate in school events and sports activities with greater confidence and enthusiasm.
During the meeting with the local authorities, the Deputy Mayor of Sevan Mr. Artur Margaryan and the community social worker Ms. Naira Sargsyan thanked the Government of US and UNHCR for the standing with refugees and providing timely and crucial humanitarian assistance, which has enabled the community to address the immediate needs of the refugees. They further updated on the current situation of refugees, their needs, the challenges they face and the opportunities they hope to access.
“Despite our community’s significant efforts, there are still many unmet needs. The refugees rely on seasonal jobs, pay house rent, hardly making ends meet,” Mayor Margaryan shared. “Housing, social assistance and employment remain the priority issues voiced by the refugees. The lack of community and youth centres, vocational and development opportunities in remote settlements, in particular, is also hindering refugees’ inclusion and social cohesion,” Mayor Margaryan added, seeking additional support from UNHCR and the international community.
Mr. Kiri Atri, External Relations Officer, UNHCR Armenia emphasized Sevan community’s tireless efforts and the continuous support extended to the refugee families. “We deeply appreciate the consistent support of the Government of Armenia and the host communities in helping refugees feel welcomed,” Mr. Atri said, highlighting the generosity and solidarity of the people of Armenia. He also highlighted the role of the international community, helping UNHCR to ensure timely and crucial support to the refugees across Armenia. “We are grateful to the People and Government of the United States for their ongoing support to refugees, bringing hope and a positive change in their lives,” he said.
Mr. Scott Moore, Political Officer, U.S. Embassy in Armenia, highlighted the hospitality of the Sevan community and the role of international cooperation in supporting the efforts of the government and people of Armenia. He emphasized the importance of creating favourable conditions for the successful integration of refugees, particularly through educational and employment opportunities. ‘Investing in education and skills development can yield tangible results,’ he noted. ‘When given the chance, refugees can develop their skills and reveal their talents; they are eager to learn, work, and contribute to their new communities,’ he added.
In Chambarak, the team visited the day-care centre for older individuals and people with disabilities, and the child-friendly space operated by Mission Armenia. The meeting with older refugees highlighted their unique challenges, including the physical and emotional strains of aging, limited family support, and the pain of losing their homes. Anahit, a UNHCR staff member, stressed the importance of addressing their specific needs and extending to them continuous care and support. “The needs of older individuals in crisis are often overlooked, yet they are critical. Recognizing their voices and providing care and attention and targeted support is essential.”
Following the discussions with the group of older refugees, the Vice President of Mission Armenia NGO, Ms. Alla Harutyunyan, highlighted the increasing demand for specialised services for persons with specific needs, especially of those living in remote and isolated communities. “The mental health and psycho-social support is critical for vulnerable refugees, facing physical, mental and emotional challenges, particularly older refugees with no family support,” she said. “It is therefore imperative that closer attention, and financial and human resources be directed to targeted care and support to extremely vulnerable refugees who rely on and seek our understanding and support,” Ms. Harutyunyan stated.
Joined by community and Mission Armenia social workers, the team also conducted a house visit to refugee families in Sevan and Chambarak. The story of Zoya and Karine, a refugee mother and daughter, highlighted the support they received from their host community, their efforts to integrate, and their hopes to overcome the challenges they face as part of an extended family of twelve. Zoya spoke of their welcoming host communities, and their challenges with housing and employment. “The humanitarian assistance we received was lifesaving, indeed. However, it’s still difficult for us as many issues are still unsettled. We need a permanent place to live, to have sustainable jobs in order to feel at home and plan our future,” they said.
A refugee couple, Mariam and Vachagan, who live with their four children in Chambarak, expressed their appreciation for the support from their friendly neighbours and authorities, and shared their concerns about job availability and stable income. “It’s not easy to find a job in Chambarak. Many people travel to Yerevan to find a better opportunity “, they explained. They reminisced about the past life, “We were used to have a land plot, raised animals and chickens, and had an orchid and vegetable garden.” On a positive note, Mariam proudly shared her success story of completing a vocational course in manicure and the receiving a set of tools. “I am now a manicure master and very happy about it. What I need now is to find clients so I can start working and earn an income to support my family,” Maral said with enthusiasm.
As the field visit concluded, it was clear that while progress has been made, challenges remain. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Armenia, the welcoming host communities, and the resilient refugees for their ongoing support and solidarity. This visit has been a powerful reminder of the positive impact that collective, whole-of-society efforts can have. By working together, we can continue to create an environment where both refugees and host communities thrive. The journey ahead may have its challenges, but with continued cooperation and hope, we can build a brighter future for refugees and host communities.
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