Armenia's Humanitarian Crisis

In the aftermath of the 2020 war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, an influx of displaced people overwhelmed Armenia's resources and infrastructure, creating a severe humanitarian emergency.

Managing a humanitarian emergency project to distribute food and essential items requires a well-organized and strategic approach.

The Arev Society hurried to support theArmenian Fund for Sustainable Development (AF4SD)to conduct a thorough needs assessment to understand the specific needs of the affected population.

We managed to gather data on the number of people, their locations, and their most urgent requirements in some of the districts of Yerevan and neighboring communities.

We established effective coordination mechanisms with other humanitarian organizations and local authorities to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure a comprehensive response. We put in place a registration system to verify and record the identities of beneficiaries.

This helped maintain accountability and ensured that aid reached those in need with dignity and efficiency. Together with our partners, we distributed 1000 people monthly first-aid packages in one year.

The situation remains dire for over 100,000 Armenians displaced from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in September 2023. Fleeing violence, persecution, and threats of ethnic cleansing at the hands of Azerbaijani forces, these refugees urgently left their homes to safeguard their lives.

Despite initial humanitarian aid and support from the Armenian government, funding and assistance are set to end on March 2024. Without continued income and resources, sustainable settlement for these displaced people will be incredibly difficult.

Compounding these challenges is the trauma of having their lives uprooted so violently. Many refugees have been separated from family members, seen violence first-hand, and lost their homes and livelihoods. This turmoil leaves emotional scars and practical hurdles for creating stability.

Our organization partnered with theAF4SDto empower the displaced and mitigate this humanitarian crisis. As in 2021, together, we intend to launch vocational training and financial support for small business creation for displaced women to help them gain skills, resources, and autonomy to exist independently. These programs aim to be part of the solution - offering paths for sustainable resettlement.

The road ahead is long and difficult for these refugees and aid organizations like ours. Additional funding, volunteers, resources, and public awareness are still desperately needed.

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