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.
Ongoing Crisis for Displaced Armenians
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 by Azerbaijani forces, these refugees were forced to abandon their homes to save their lives.
While the Armenian government and humanitarian organizations provided initial emergency aid, many refugees now face an uncertain future. Without sustainable income sources and adequate resources, long-term resettlement remains an enormous challenge.
The trauma compounds these practical difficulties. Many refugees have witnessed violence firsthand, lost family members, and seen their homes and livelihoods destroyed. These experiences create both emotional wounds and significant barriers to rebuilding stable lives.
In response to this crisis, our organization partnered with theAF4SDto empower the displaced and address their immediate needs. Building on our 2021 experience, we launched comprehensive programs providing vocational training and financial support for small business development, specifically targeting displaced women. These initiatives equip participants with essential skills, resources, and economic independence necessary for sustainable resettlement.
Our programs represent one piece of a larger solution, creating pathways for refugees to rebuild their lives with dignity and self-sufficiency.
However, the road ahead remains long and challenging. Both refugees and humanitarian organizations like ours continue to face overwhelming needs. We urgently require additional funding, volunteers, resources, and public awareness to meet the scale of this ongoing crisis.
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