Syrian-Armenian refugees in Armenia: research

German International Cooperation (GIZ) has conducted a survey in August of this year on the issues of the Syrian-Armenians displaced from Syria and having found shelter in Armenia.

The research aims to identify issues, assess needs and gaps, existing potential for the accommodation and integration of Syrian-Armenians, identify possible influence of external and internal challenges on the solution of these problems, as well as represent recommendations for their economic integration. The primary goal of the report is economic integration, contribution to Syrian-Armenians’ employment issue solving and promotion of their welfare.

The authors of the report focus on a number of factors, describing those displaced from Syria: livelihood, health state, travel difficulties…

As a result of the inquiry they came to a conclusion that those coming from Syria are not optimistic in returning to that country, they are more vulnerable and have poor health. The authors are concerned that the economic downtown in Armenia could adversely affect availability and accessibility of resources when their need is felt the most.

According to the data of the RA Ministry of Diaspora, before the war in Syria 100 000 Armenians used to live – out of which 60 000 – in Aleppo, and the rest –  in Kesab, Damaskus, Ghamishli and other areas.

According to the report now in Aleppo less than 15000 people out of 60 000 remained. It is expected that they will leave Aleppo in the near future too. They stay here for several different reasons- work, family possessions, and age and so on. During the first two years after the beginning of the war those remaining in Syria used to send money to their family members in Armenia, now it is the opposite – they support those who are in Syria.

According to UNHCR data, as of July of 2015, 13000 Syrian-Armenians were supported by Armenia and remained here. The Government provides them with opportunities to acquire citizenship through simplified procedure (15000 people have already got citizenship), accelerated examination of asylum applications and entry visas, medium and long-tem residence permit.

According to the data provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, since the beginning of the conflict 17000 Syrian citizens have arrived to Armenia and most of them are ethnic Armenians.

According to the data provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in June- July of this year International airports of Yerevan have accepted more than 1000 Syrian – Amenians. Direct flights from Syria to Yerevan doubled in price, great demand had an impact on pricing, and the price growth trend is maintained. In addition, two companies disrupted flights. It was easy to reach Yerevan on air route until 2013. After crossing the Turkish border they used to face problems, now they prefer to go from Aleppo to Lebanon.

The authors of the report refer to the activity of at least 35 local and international organizations, which support Syrian-Armenians sheltered in Armenia. Many of them are UNHCR partner organizations.

Particularly, it is noted that starting from 2014 to July of 2015, due to the funds provided by «Syria: regional emergency relief plan», UNHCR together with its partners has implemented a lot of projects:

1. Reimbursement of apartment rental expenses (730 families),
2. The immediate financial support (840 families),
3. Food distribution and integration canteen (nearly 600 needy families),
4. The humanitarian assistance (1000 families),
5. Psychological support, medications and treatment (2100 people),
6. Legal assistance and counseling (4100 people),
7. Awareness raining, sports, cultural, educational and other programs for children, charity exhibition-fairs, (nearly 4150 people), etc.

The study also notes what functions Armenia’s state body carries out in terms of Syrian-Armenians.

The conclusion states that the integration program should be reviewed periodically as changes are happening in the world rapidly.

For implementing expectations of building new future in Armenia the authors of the report suggest to conduct meetings with monthly frequency to discuss the ways of continuing the process.

The report suggests increasing the role of the community and the number of players, especially in the planning of services, so that they can build a solid platform for property rights, to actively participate in economic life, thus integrating into the society.