Attachments
Since September 2023, Armenia has experienced a massive influx of individuals following the military escalation starting on 19 September.
According to the Government of Armenia, the population movement began with 5,000 people seeking shelter on 24 September and increased dramatically to 101,848 people arriving to Armenia by 20 October. The Inter-Agency Contingency Plan anticipates that approximately 50,000 of these individuals will require humanitarian assistance or protection services.
On 2 October 2023, the Government of Armenia officially requested international assistance after activating the UCPM on 29 September. By 2 October, reports from international missions indicated that most residents had left their homes. Almost all individuals are anticipated to remain displaced in Armenia.
Recognizing the urgency, Armenian authorities have taken effective measures to streamline humanitarian efforts. The response was initiated with rapid establishments of reception centres in Kornidzor, Goris, and Vayk, facilitating registration and aid distribution. The Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) has been instrumental in supporting the registration, and providing Psychological First Aid (PFA), food, essential household (HH) items, and critical information on services within Armenia.
The humanitarian response must address both immediate and ongoing needs, with a significant number of women, children, and older individuals among the people arriving to Armenia. According to United Nations figures (UN), as of 20 October, out of 101,848 registered individuals, 52 per cent are female, 48 per cent are male, 31 per cent are under the age of 18, 18 per cent are older people and 2 per cent are people with disabilities. Additionally, around 20,000 people who have been displaced due to the escalation of hostilities in 2020 also require support aimed at their integration and inclusion.
Governmental bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and volunteers are working together to address urgent needs, relying on primary data collected by ARCS through interviews with affected individuals and local authorities, especially in high-displacement regions. A comprehensive needs assessment will complement the preliminary findings, which is being led by government and taking place in the coming weeks.
Immediate priorities identified with the rapid needs assessment include providing shelter, food, essential household items, and addressing mental health and psychosocial needs. Given the expected protracted situation, the focus is on immediate needs, as well as on addressing the medium- and long-term needs of both populations arriving to Armenia and host communities in Armenia. The response includes socio-economic support, cash assistance, mental health and psychosocial support, and protection measures for vulnerable individuals, including children.