2000 Syrian-Armenians arrived in Armenia during the last three months

During the Inter-Agency Committee meeting on Syrian-Armenians’ Issues, held at the Ministry of Diaspora the urgent issue of evacuation and transportation of our compatriots from the war zone to Armenia was discussed. It was mentioned that two thousand Syrian Armenians were displaced to Armenia in the last three months.

‘’Aleppo’’ compatriotic charitable organisation received many calls with the request to acquire one-way tickets to Armenia. As a result of fundraising 63 persons acquired tickets and arrived in Armenia, moreover, 20 persons will come soon, as well. The Minister of Diaspora noticed that the stream of Syrian-Armenian teachers, doctors, engineers into Armenia has grown. ‘’It seems that the specialists holding Armenian community in Syria have to leave the country, as well. Unfortunately, the situation in Syria is getting worse and our compatriots flee the country, some of them go to Lebanon, others to Armenia and the rest moves to safe parts of the country. We are always in contact with diplomatic representations in order to be aware of current situation in Syria”- said Ms. Hranush Hakobyan.

Referring to the employment issue of Syrian Armenian specialists, the Minister of Diaspora noted that recently they have received dozens of applications from Syrian Armenian doctors and other specialists with the request to assist them with job placement.

Ms. Hranush Hakobyan requested the heads of relevant departments to seek job opportunities for Syrian Armenian specialists.

Accoridng to Ms. Hranush Hakobyan, the agreement was reached with Mr. Vardan Sirmakesh, RA Consul in Marseille, to hand over the care of Aleppo orphanage to the benefactor. The businessman despite of sponsorship of thirty orphans, also promised to include Syrian Armenians in his agricultural and craftsmanship projects in Gyumri, to search solutions to the problems of ten families in terms of providing them with accommodation and job. In the future this assistance will be expanded.

Mr. Levon Antonyan, the Head of Armenian Diaspora in the Near and Middle East Dpt., made a presentation on organisation of summer camp for Syrian Armenian children. Mr. Antonyan in particular noted,- ‘’The aim of organisaiton of summer camp for Syrian Armenian children is the provision of psychological help to them through ensuring joint summer holidays with local children which will help them to quickly adapt to the new environment. 78 Syrian Armenian children have already been involved in ‘’Ari Tun”/ ‘’Come Home’’ and forty children will participate soon, as well. The summer holidays for Syrian Armenian children from vulnerable families will be organized at ‘’Gugark’’ and ‘’Tiramayr Hayastani’’ camps.  The Representation of UNHCR in Armenia and ‘’CCSAI’’ NGO assist in organisaiton of summer holidays at ‘’Gugark’’ camp. UNHCR expressed readiness to provide financial assistance in Armenian drams, equivalent to 8,000 USD, for organisation of two-week summer holiday. In the frame of the above-mentioned assistance ‘’Gugark’’ camp is ready to host 80 Syrian Armenian children, with two phases, aged between 8-15, beginning 15^th August. ‘’Tiramayr Hayastani’’ Centre, on behalf of Arusyak Sajoyan, expressed readiness to host 100 Syrian Armenian children from vulnerable families at the summer camp in Tsaghkadzor for a week’’.

Ms. Narine Galstyan, Chairwoman of ARS, briefed about accomplishments and planned assistance projects carried out by the organisation. In her words from the beginning of Syrian war, ARS provided assistance to 27 Armenian colleges in Aleppo, Damascus, Latakia, Gamishli and other regions. Syrian Armenians were provided with assistance in the frame of ‘’Hot lunch’’, ‘’Warm House’’ and other programmes. Apart from that, there are handicraft courses for Syrian Armenian women.

In conclusion the Minister of Diaspora highlighted the importance of job placement of Syrian Armenians, provision of accommodation, as well, as she encouraged Committee members to be attentive and compassionate.

 Source:  Ministry of Diaspora