A. SITUATION ANALYSIS
Description of the Crisis
The number of people who have arrived in Armenia after the escalation of hostilities in Karabakh, starting from 19 September, remains stable at 101,848 individuals. About 70 per cent of these persons are staying in the capital region (Yerevan and surrounding marzes [districts] of Kotayk and Ararat). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 52 per cent of the persons having arrived are female, 48 per cent male, 18 per cent over 65.31 per cent under 18, and 2 per cent people with disabilities (30 October). More than 2,000 women arriving are pregnant. According to the Prime Minister of Armenia, a few thousand people have reportedly left Armenia towards other countries, primarily the Russian Federation.
The Government of Armenia (GoA) recognises the displaced persons as refugees and who are eligible to apply for temporary protection. Thousands of refugees are still residing in accommodation provided through the government in vacant houses, apartments, hotels, and non-residential buildings (including collective centres), with many of them moving from one shelter or region to others, seeking permanent housing and/or income opportunities. Shelter therefore remains a priority need of vulnerable people, with the upcoming winter season exacerbating the situation.
The GoA has amended and adopted numerous legislative acts, initiatives, both regarding immediate humanitarian response, as well as facilitating longer-term integration of people arriving from Karabakh, including recent decisions on integration into pension schemes and budget reallocations.
More than 80 per cent of school-aged children have been enrolled in schools (UNICEF, 16 November) with more than 30,000 children entering Armenia in the current crisis.