Tatev Grigoryan and her peer Kristina Buniatyan work at Women Support Center to support women and girls, including refugees and asylum seekers © UNHCR/ Karen Minasyan
The partnership between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Armenia and the Women’s Support Center (WSC)–designated by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia to lead the domestic violence support centers in the provinces, which have come together as the Coalition of Domestic Violence Support Centers–continues to strengthen under an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Our collaboration aims to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and promote the social inclusion and equal treatment of asylum-seekers and refugees, with a focus on women and girls.
Women Resource Center staff preparing for dispatch to women shelters the core relief items ©UNHCR/Karen Minasyan
Under our on-going collaboration, UNHCR has provided support to the WSC that includes IT equipment for the regional support centers and core relief items for the WSC’s shelters. This support is crucial for WSC’s mission to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in Yerevan and the 10 regions. With the recent increase in the refugee population stretching available services, particularly for women and girls, this support helps to alleviate some pressure on the domestic violence support centers, ensuring that refugees and host communities receive adequate support. For the dedicated staff at the centers, the new IT equipment will enhance their ability to manage cases, streamline documentation processes, provide essential resources, and communicate more effectively with other service providers. This increased efficiency means survivors will receive faster support.
Ani Jilozian, Development Director at the WSC and Hasmik Gevorgyan are pleased to receive technical assistance © UNHCR/ Karen Minasyan
Ani Jilozian, Development Director at the WSC, stated, “We are working daily to prevent and combat gender-based and domestic violence, with a special focus on refugee women and their children. In collaboration with UNHCR, we are strengthening actions to combat violence and promote gender equality. Given the expanding size and scope of our team, this support is crucial for ensuring smooth and effective operations in the provinces. It enhances our ability to manage cases and provide timely support, marking a step forward in our work.”
Tatev Grigoryan, case manager at Women Support Center is working with women and girls to understand their situation, provide services and referrals © UNHCR/ Karen Minasyan
Ganna Koptsiukh, UNHCR Protection Officer highlights the importance of this partnership, “Our collaboration with the Women’s Support Center is essential to our shared goal of preventing and responding to gender-based violence. The enhanced capability provided by this support ensures that response is timely, efficient, and impactful, reflecting our commitment to safeguarding the dignity and rights of all individuals.”
Elsie Aroyan from UNHCR, who works closely with social workers at the WSC and the regional domestic violence support centers, notes that this partnership goes beyond mere assistance and support. It’s about restoring hope and dignity for refugee women through vital support—counselling, legal guidance, and integration and self-reliance—helping them rebuild their lives with compassion and renewed strength.
Tatev and her peer Kristina Buniatyan work at Women Support Center to support women and girls, including refugees and asylum seekers © UNHCR/ Karen Minasyan
The partnership between UNHCR and the WSC demonstrates how strategic collaborations can drive meaningful change. By addressing immediate needs and focusing on integration and self-reliance, especially for survivors of gender-based violence, these efforts are paving the way for a safer, more hopeful future, underscoring their commitment to upholding dignity and rights.
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The UNHCR has been present in Armenia since 1992. UNHCR Armenia is focused on addressing the humanitarian needs and promoting the integration of the displaced population who have sought protection in Armenia. In its 30 years of presence in Armenia, UNHCR has supported the Government in jointly achieving progress in terms of legislative reforms, establishing asylum procedures, integration of displaced populations, and humanitarian response activities.
The Women’s Support Center (WSC), a non-profit established in 2010, is dedicated to preventing and addressing domestic violence. With a team of 23 professionals, the WSC provides support, counselling, and advocacy to challenge gender inequality and promote women’s rights. As co-founding members of both the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women and the Coalition of Domestic Violence Support Centers, the WSC works to raise awareness and foster healthier, more equitable relationships in Armenian society.
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