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Speech
08 March 2024
The UN Secretary-General's message on International Women's Day
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07 March 2024
UNICEF partners with Public TV to launch a dedicated programme on positive parenting and children's health
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Story
29 February 2024
EU and UNICEF sign an agreement to boost competitiveness of Armenian education system for inclusive quality education
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Armenia
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Armenia:
Story
05 March 2024
The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra donates to UNICEF for Armenia refugee response
The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra announced today a donation of US$ 12,000 to UNICEF Armenia in support of its humanitarian work for refugee children. Led by UNICEF Armenia Ambassador Sergey Smbatyan, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra raised funds for UNICEF through seven concerts from November to December 2023.Through this contribution, refugee children with disabilities will benefit from multipurpose pharmacy vouchers. Each voucher, valued at 25,000 AMD, will allow families to choose and purchase the essential pharmaceutical items that their children require. This approach not only ensures flexibility but also respects the unique needs of each child, allowing families to make decisions based on their specific healthcare and rehabilitation priorities.Mr. Smbatyan expressed the urgency of addressing the immediate needs of refugee children, stating,"While we consistently advocate for shaping a brighter future for children, the current reality demands our immediate attention to their present. Our support is particularly vital for the most vulnerable refugee children, who, having overcome numerous challenges, now require the care and warmth of each and every one of us."UNICEF has been providing support to refugees arriving in Armenia since day one, including much needed mental health and psychosocial support, medical supplies and equipment, social protection and child protection services, and much more. Ahead of winter season, funded by the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund and European Investment Bank, UNICEF, in cooperation with the RA Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and Armenian Progressive Youth NGO, started to provide 25,000 AMD clothing vouchers to all refugee children aged 0-9 (inclusive), as well as to all refugee children with disabilities. In addition to clothing vouchers, all refugee children with disabilities will now also benefit from pharmacy vouchers, addressing not only their essential clothing needs but also facilitating access to necessary medications and healthcare supplies."UNICEF extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Foundation for the Support of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and National Ambassador Smbatyan as well as to everyone who attended the Orchestra’s concerts, to its musicians and guest artists, as well as to private sector parties who have contributed to this campaign. This collaboration empowers us to expand our existing humanitarian support, reaching out to a greater number of refugee children, with a particular focus on those who are the most vulnerable. UNICEF has been there before, during and after humanitarian emergencies during the 30 years of our work in Armenia, joining hands with our partners to support all children in Armenia, and we will continue to do so," emphasized Christine Weigand, UNICEF Representative in Armenia.
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Story
05 February 2024
Joint Government-UN chairmanship of UNSDCF outcome groups is launched
Yesterday marked a crucial milestone in our partnership with the Government, launching the joint Government-UN chairmanship of UNSDCF outcome groups. The event is the first step in implementing the decisions from the UNSDCF Joint Steering Committee in late November 2023 and signifies a new era of collaboration and synergy in achieving sustainable development goals.
The Kick-Off meeting of the outcome groups for the 2021-2025 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Armenia (UNSDCF) took place at the UN Armenia. Co-Chaired by Ms. Nanna Skau, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Armenia, and Mr. Davit Manukyan, Head of the UN and Sustainable Development Division at the MFA of Armenia, the event united representatives from Government ministries and the UN appointed as Co-Chair of the eight outcome groups for the UNSDCF review and implementation.
During the meeting, crucial topics were covered, including updates on the UNSDCF Joint Steering Committee, UNSDCF Governance Architecture and the role of UN INFO as the UN's accountability and transparency towards both the Government and the public at large. The discussions also delved into the perspectives on Armenia-United Nations cooperation, fostering shared action for the benefit of the people of Armenia.
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08 February 2024
UNHCR and ECHO visit host communities to get familiarized with the humanitarian activities implemented for the refugee families
Recently, officials with technical expertise from the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) and UNHCR colleagues made a joint visit to a communal center in Dilijan of Tavush province, hosting refugees from Karabakh, to participate in the legal counseling session and focus group discussion organized for them by the lawyers of UNHCR's partner NGO Mission Armenia.
"Face-to-face meetings as such are very important and serve very useful for us. We can receive explicit and reliable information and answers to our questions, particularly related to legal and social issues, and documentation," Irina and refugees were sharing their reflections.
The counseling session went in a genuine atmosphere of trust and collaboration, allowing refugees to share and discuss individual and common concerns and receive reliable information - much needed to take the next step and make decisions.
"Many things have now been clarified for refugees. They can now focus on their pending plans and the way forward for the future of themselves and their children," said Margarita, the manager of the community center, thanking ECHO and UNHCR for the visit and continuous support.
UNHCR is grateful to ECHO - an invaluable donor and partner in refugee emergencies - for their generous contribution enhancing the joint efforts to ensure legal counseling and aid, case management and social support to refugees, their access to information, hotline service, and referrals.
UNHCR is thankful to the Government of Armenia, host communities and the civil society, Migration and Citizenship Service, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Human Rights Defender's Office, Chamber of Advocates, and other partners, for their outstanding collaboration with UNHCR in the work for refugees.
UNHCR and donors continue community outreach to refugees in Armenia to learn about their well-being, to talk about the various social and legal issues they face and understand their evolving needs and concerns.
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Story
06 February 2024
2nd Meeting of Steering Committee on EU funded and UNIDO implemented Project “Support to QI system in Armenia”
Project Steering Committee 2nd meeting for the EU/UNIDO "Support to Quality Infrastructure in Armenia" project was conveyed in Yerevan on February 1st. The event highlighted major achievements and efforts of key stakeholders collaborating to enhance Armenia's quality infrastructure.
Attended by high-profile representatives, the meeting provided a platform to deliberate on the progress report of the project, covering the period from July 2023 to December 2023. Among the attendees were officials from Armenian Government, MoE Deputy Minister, colleagues from EUD to Armenia and UNIDO HQ. Representatives from NBSM, ARMNAB, Market Surveillance Inspection Body, the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen and Chamber of Commerce of Armenia were also at the meeting․
Deputy Minister at MoE, Narek Teryan, who chaired the meeting, said in his opening remarks:
“The Government of Armenia is committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to develop a sustainable and globally recognized metrology which is the foundation of a modern quality infrastructure system. This project not only focuses on enhancing technical capacity through training and workshops but also aims to enhance the legal and institutional capacity for long-term sustainability and advancement in metrology. I am quite optimistic about the positive impact it will have on various industries and society.”
Frank Hess, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Armenia noted. " This project is important within the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, where together with the Government we look at what should be done in various sectors of the economy. An important aspect of this involves the adoption and implementation of the EU rules and regulations. This meeting underscores the importance of specific actions and highlights the commitment and responsibility of the government to facilitate a dialogue with the private sector.”
Cong Wu, Project Manager at UNIDO, thanked the meeting participants and the key stakeholders for their close engagement and firm commitment to the project.
“No need to mention how important a modern quality infrastructure or metrology system is to sustainable development and trade. International recognition in the QI or metrology context is also a driving force for sustainability. Integration into international metrology system could help with knowledge sharing, technology transfer and innovation. In this regard, the project supported the Government of Armenia to make informed decision,” stressed Cong Wu.
During the meeting, a comprehensive review of the project progress covering the period from July 2023 to December 2023 was presented, emphasizing key activities. Highlights included the cost/benefit analysis of BIPM and OIML membership with recommendations provided to 16 national stakeholders, the completion of demand survey/assessment of all QI components (standardization, conformity assessment, accreditation, and market surveillance), trainings and collaboration of NBSM staff with international and regional organizations in the field of metrology, progress in the process of procurement and delivery of industrial metrology equipment, review of NBSM's governance structure by an international expert, process of validation of amendments to Metrology Law with national stakeholders.
The reporting period also included UNIDO’s support to the Ministry of Economy in organizing the celebration of World Quality Day 2023. This initiative contributed to raising awareness among public and private stakeholders about the National Quality Infrastructure.
The Steering Committee meeting concluded with approval of the progress report, and the work plan for January-June 2024, outlining the project's upcoming activities and key deliverables during the coming 6 months.
To note, “Support to Quality Infrastructure in Armenia," funded by the EU and implemented by UNIDO, aims to strengthen the capacity of the National Institute of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) to provide sustainable and internationally recognized metrology services. This initiative aligns with Armenia's commitment to implementing the CEPA Agreement with the EU, enhancing trade competitiveness, and maximizing the associated benefits.
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Video
24 January 2024
Understanding the links between Food Insecurity and Poverty in Armenia: Insights from the World Food Programme
Over the past four years, Armenia has experienced a 12 percent rise in food insecurity levels. This revelation stems from the study conducted by the United Nations World Food Programme in 2022. The findings underscored a clear correlation between poverty and food insecurity within the nation.
Watch the video to learn more about the link between food insecurity and poverty, as well as the steps taken by WFP to address these challenges and support the government.
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Story
11 March 2024
UNICEF partners with Public TV to launch a dedicated programme on positive parenting and children's health
– In a collaborative effort to support families and promote nurturing care and positive parenting practices, UNICEF has teamed up with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia and Public TV of Armenia to develop a dedicated TV program. This exciting initiative aims to provide valuable insights into child health and parenting techniques, with a focus on empowering parents to navigate the complexities of raising healthy and happy children. Christine Weigand, UNICEF Representative in Armenia, highlighted the importance of parental education in shaping the future of children."Parenting is a profound responsibility that extends beyond meeting basic needs. It lays the foundation for a child's entire life. The knowledge and skills parents possess are crucial in ensuring the optimal development, well-being, and success of their children. Parenting is a journey, and parents also need advice and support as they navigate it," she emphasized.To reach their full potential, children need the five inter-related and indivisible components of nurturing care: good health, adequate nutrition, safety and security, responsive caregiving and opportunities for learning. Parents and caregivers are best placed to provide nurturing care for their children. "The Ministry of Health values and welcomes public awareness initiatives aimed at safeguarding maternal and child health. UNICEF and Public Television have consistently demonstrated a supportive stance towards health-related issues. And this project also aligns with the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Health, and our collaborative approach holds the potential to profoundly influence public opinion and behavior," noted Lena Nanushyan, the First Deputy Minister of Health. The forthcoming program, scheduled to air this Spring, will cover a range of essential topics related to child development and well-being. With input from health experts and leading psychologists, viewers can expect discussions on crucial topics such as pregnancy, newborn care, breastfeeding, healthy nutrition, child growth and development, mental health, teenage challenges, gadget addiction and more. Each episode will offer practical tips and expert advice aimed at enhancing parenting skills and strengthening family relationships. By promoting a culture of self-care, positive communication, and mental well-being, the program seeks to empower parents to provide nurturing care for their children at every stage of life, from intrauterine life to adolescence. Hovhannes Movsisyan, Executive Director of Public TV, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "Signing this memorandum with UNICEF holds significant importance for us. As a public broadcaster, we are committed to producing diverse television content catering to individuals of all ages and interests. I am confident that a dedicated program focusing on children's health, nurturing care, and parent-child relationships will capture the attention of our viewers and spark widespread interest." Investing in parental education is an investment in the future. By equipping parents with the knowledge and resources they need to support their children's growth and development, we can create a more resilient and prosperous society for generations to come. For more information and updates on the program, stay tuned to Public TV and UNICEF Armenia's official channels.
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05 March 2024
EU and UNICEF sign an agreement to boost competitiveness of Armenian education system for inclusive quality education
The Delegation of the European Union announced today the EU4Education Reforms programme which, delivered in partnership with UNICEF, will contribute to the effective reform of the education system. Through this three-year programme, UNICEF will support the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports in its efforts to strengthen the efficiency and accountability of the education management system in the country, as well as to provide children and young people with opportunities to grow their potential and contribute to education reforms, with a particular focus in rural areas.UNICEF will work with the Ministry and other stakeholders to develop relevant policies and programmes in support of the education reform, to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and data systems, and to build the capacity of educators in the design, coordination, implementation and monitoring of the education strategy. This programme will focus on the national education system while also supporting specific initiatives in the Ararat, Kotayk, Gegharkunik and Syunik regions, which have been prioritised in the national education reform. “Through EU4Education Reforms, the European Union will help Armenia develop a well-managed education system tailored to the needs of youth and the labour market. In the long term, we hope to reduce youth unemployment, particularly among marginalized social groups and create a vibrant, well-educated, and well-trained labour force capable of contributing to the growth & green and digital transition of Armenia,” noted Mr Vassilis Maragos, Ambassador of the European Union to Armenia.The programme is designed to contribute to the implementation of the State Programme for Development of Education in the Republic of Armenia 2030, while also supporting Armenia in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5, 10, and 13. By 2027, partners aim to positively influence learning outcomes for students, institute a strengthened institutional framework with quality and financial management, transparency, and monitoring of performance. The intervention will also consider environmental factors in school management, strengthening links between climate change, disaster risk management and education sector actors.Minister of MoESCS, Zhanna Andreasyan, underscored the importance of productive collaboration with UNICEF and the European Union across diverse areas to strengthen the ongoing educational reforms in Armenia. According to the Minister, these reforms stand as a key priority for RoA Government and remain under continuous scrutiny."The state budget earmarks resources for educational reforms and their execution, with a significant increase in allocation. However, the financial backing from the European Union complements these efforts, fostering the successful implementation of our initiatives," stated Zhanna Andreasyan.“Supporting the well-functioning of the education system in Armenia has been a long-standing priority for the European Union. Access to quality education is at the heart of a resilient and prosperous society and is especially important in rural areas. Together with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports and UNICEF, this programme will be crucial to continue driving forward the new national education strategy by also supporting teachers and students in taking leadership and contributing to the education reforms,” highlighted Adrienn Király, Director for Neighbourhood East and Institution Building. "Central to our approach is the prioritization of data-driven decision-making, policy advocacy, and meaningful youth engagement. In collaboration with the EU, our shared objective extends beyond enhancing educational quality; it is about nurturing a generation of empowered change-makers,” emphasized UNICEF Representative in Armenia, Christine Weigand. “UNICEF is committed to support Armenia’s efforts to modernise its education system to provide all children and youth with inclusive quality education.”
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21 February 2024
UN Armenia's Victory at My Forest Armenia’s Nature Quiz Night
Recently our partner organization, My Forest Armenia NGO, hosted the Nature Quiz Night to contribute knowledge and environmental advocacy. The event was full of excitement as 12 teams of 96 participants gathered to test their knowledge of the environment, climate, nature and forests.Among the participants, the UN Armenia team stood out for its dedication to sustainability, climate action and unwavering commitment to the environmental conservation. On behalf of UN Armenia, 960 trees were planted as a reward for the achievement. "In addition to being a great success, we were able to collaborate and share knowledge with each other, demonstrating our commitment to combat climate change and further improve environmental management," noted Team UN member, Marianna Kocharyan, UNDP Programme Associate. “It was a great opportunity to help a cause, and at the same time to demonstrate what real UN teamwork should look like, having so much fun in the process,” highlights Mher Manukyan, UNFPA Communications Associate. “For me the Nature Quiz Night was an amazing experience of harmonious collaboration in a team with enjoyment of a process and summit feeling of exhilaration and pride for the “green” victory!”, notes Ms. Naira Harutyunyan, Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Expert at FAO Armenia.Over the past few years, #TeamUN has been actively involved in nature-friendly projects, including the ambitious initiative to plant 18,000 trees in the UN Forest in Lori. Each tree planted symbolized a commitment to a greener, more sustainable future for Armenia.This victory achieved by UN Armenia serves as another milestone in ensuring the protection of the environment and community development in Armenia.
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19 January 2024
Nearly half a million children in Europe and Central Asia live in residential care facilities
'Long road ahead before ending Europe and Central Asia’s long, painful legacy’ of institutionalisation of children, as new UNICEF report highlights rate of children living in residential care across region is double the global average.
Nearly half a million children – or 456,000 – across Europe and Central Asia live in residential care facilities, including large-scale institutions, according to a new report published today by UNICEF.
Pathways to Better Protection: taking stock of the situation of children in alternative care in Europe and Central Asia notes that the rate of children living in residential care facilities across Europe and Central Asia is double the global average, with 232 per 100,000 children living in residential care facilities compared to 105 per 100,000 globally.
“We have a long way to go before ending Europe and Central Asia’s long and painful legacy of institutionalising children. While there have been some improvements, progress has been far from equal. Children with disabilities have largely been left behind,” said Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.
Western Europe has the highest rate of children in residential care facilities at 294 per 100,000 children – nearly triple the global average. While facilities in Western Europe tend to be small and integrated into communities, there remains an overreliance on residential care instead of family-based care. The higher rate is partly due to an increase in unaccompanied and separated children and young people seeking asylum in Europe in recent years.
The report also highlights some positive trends. For example, since 2010 many countries have seen a decrease in the proportion of children living in residential care facilities. In Bulgaria, Moldova and Georgia, data suggest that family-based care has become the dominant type of formal alternative care arrangement as governments pursued deinstitutionalisation policies and made significant investments in family-based care. In Türkiye and Romania, investments in prevention, family support and promotion of foster care helped reduce the number of children in certain types of residential care facilities, such as children’s homes.
Still, there has been little progress for children with disabilities who are far more likely to be placed in residential care facilities than children without disabilities. In countries where data is available, children with disabilities account for between 4 per cent and up to 87 per cent of children in residential care facilities. In more than half of countries with available data, the proportion of children with disabilities in all types of formal residential care has increased between 2015 and 2021.
The negative impacts of family separation and institutionalisation on children’s health, development and well-being are well-documented. Children living in large-scale institutions often face emotional neglect and higher rates of abuse and exploitation, exposing them to mental health problems, psychological distress, and trauma.
Children in institutions can struggle to form positive relationships throughout childhood and adulthood, leaving them feeling isolated and lonely. Children who are in residential care – especially from a young age – can experience cognitive, linguistic, and other developmental delays, and are more likely to be in conflict with the law, perpetuating cycles of institutionalization.
In alignment with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Guidelines on Alternative Care, UNICEF calls for systematic closure of large-scale institutions used to house and educate children. This includes replacing residential facilities housing children with disabilities or unaccompanied and separated children, with high quality family- and community-based care.
UNICEF calls for adequate investments to support early identification and early intervention for children at risk, a strong social service workforce, family support services to prevent unnecessary family separation, and quality foster care for children in need of protection. Reallocating resources from institutional care towards family and community-based care and ensuring investments in quality data is critical.
UNICEF works with governments and partners across the region to help keep families together and support family- and community-based care. This includes developing and implementing deinstitutionalisation policies and programmes, scaling up protection and family support services to prevent children being separated from their families, promoting family- and community-based care and family reunification and reintegration and safe transition to independent life. UNICEF also works with governments and national statistical offices to improve the availability, comparability and quality of data on children in alternative care.
Situation in Armenia
From 2020 to 2023, the government of Armenia has increased funding for foster care twofold, while funding for outsourcing protection services to local civil society organisations has increased fivefold in an attempt to ensure national coverage. In parallel, ongoing enhancements have been made in case management and the availability of alternatives to residential care, alongside the improved accessibility and coverage of community-based child and family support services. As a result, there has also been an increase in the number of children reunified with their biological families.
Despite the stated progress, there are still about 1,135 children in Armenia residing in state-run orphanages (under the MoLSA) and special schools (under the MoESCS). Vast majority of children in residential care and educational facilities are children with disabilities. In addition to poverty and the inability of families to meet the basic needs of their children, as well as other vulnerabilities of families, one of the main reasons for institutionalization of care of children with disabilities is the lack of specialized community-based child and family support services or limited access to those services.
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25 December 2023
UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia concludes visit to Armenia
UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia and Special Coordinator for the Refugee and Migrant Response in Europe, Regina De Dominicis has concluded her first official visit to Armenia.
During the visit, De Dominicis met with Government officials Ms Zhanna Andreasyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport; Ms Anahit Avanesyan, Minister of Health; Mr Paruyr Hovhanisyan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr Tigran Khachatryan, Deputy Prime Minister; and Mr Narek Mkrtchyan, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs. Discussions focused on support to the ongoing reforms and key priorities for children in Armenia.
De Dominicis reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to continue working across the humanitarian-development nexus with the government to reach all children with equitable access to protection services, health care, education and social support, including refugee children and families.
In response to the influx of refugees in September, UNICEF has trained hundreds of frontline social service professionals to provide psychological first aid and mental health care, already reaching 7,025 children, adolescents and caregivers.
“Displacement is deeply distressing for children. We must not forget that 30,000 refugee children and families require ongoing psychological support and continuous access to critical services,” said De Dominicis. UNICEF is appealing for USD $12.6 million to meet the needs of refugee children and families until March 2024. This appeal is only 40 per cent funded.
Nearly 3,700 school-age children have received school bags, stationery and other learning supplies and a 320-strong workforce of educators in kindergartens across five regions have been trained to ensure an inclusive learning environment for all children. Families of 14,000 children are set to receive clothing vouchers this year and 2,500 pregnant women and new mothers will receive pharmacy vouchers.
During the visit, together with Ms Anahit Manasyan, Human Rights Defender of Armenia, De Dominicis also met with children and caregivers at a UNICEF-supported centre that provides care and support to vulnerable children and families, including survivors of violence and refugees. The Fund for Armenian Relief Children’s Support Center gives children and their families a safe space to access critical services including psychosocial support, health care, and helps prevent family separation.
“I met a young girl called Hilda who despite her struggles told me that she enjoys her school, loves maths and wants to become a painter. She loves to come to the centre because she finds peace in it. The centre is a lifeline for children and their families, and social workers and psychosocial support professionals are doing an incredible work in case management and referral,” said De Dominicis.
UNICEF continues to work with the Armenian Government, partners and civil society to increase access to mental health and psychosocial assistance for children and their parents, while continuing to strengthen community-based services in the long term.
UNICEF has been working in Armenia since 1994 and has been supporting the Government in the design and implementation of programmes to address the needs of Armenia’s children in areas of child protection, education, health care, and social policy, with a focus on the most vulnerable.
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Press Release
01 December 2023
Announcement. “SUITCASE 2023” annual journalism award
This year, materials published during the period of 28 November 2022 to 4 December 2023 can be submitted for the contest.
Eligible materials include:
Printed / online articles in the press / blogs / news websites.
Online journalistic videos
Online radio stories, podcasts
Online / printed photo galleries with human-interest story pictures
The materials can cover one or more of the following groups of people and/or topics:
Asylum seekers and issues faced by them.
Refugees, other forcibly displaced people and issues faced by them.
Migrants and issues faced by them.
Stateless persons and their situation.
Returnees and issues faced by them, reintegration.
Communities hosting refugees; challenges faced by hosts.
Situation of forcibly displaced persons.
Solutions to issues faced by refugees and host communities.
Support from international community; international protection of refugees.
Refugees’ access to jobs, education, and services.
Contribution of refugees to host communities.
Contribution of host communities to refugee protection and assistance.
Migration processes.
The contest is open to journalists and media actors working in television, radio, print media, electronic media, independent bloggers, photographers, and multimedia professionals.
NB: Please note that media materials developed in the frame of any grant project, on a fee-for-service basis, will be considered ineligible.
The submitted materials will be evaluated by the Jury, and the winners of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes will be announced at the closing ceremony in December 2023.
The materials must be submitted by 23:59, 4 December 2023, to ghalamka@unhcr.org, along with the following mandatory information:
the author’s (authors’) name(s) and surname(s), phone number, e-mail address.
date of publication, link to the source, additional justification of the authorship (if the applicant deems necessary), name of the media outlet.
In case of questions please contact us at 095 005 313 (Aramazd Ghalamkaryan, UNHCR), 091 520 254 (Nelly Davtyan, MCS) or 091 506 884 (Shushanik Nersesyan, PIN).
Suitcase 2023 Journalism Award is aimed at motivating high-quality thematic media coverage. Since 2010, by encouraging the production of professional and impressive media content on the processes relating to refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, returnees, and migrants in Armenia, we aim to inspire journalists to apply more comprehensive, accurate and impartial approaches in media work with displaced persons and migrants. Suitcase 2023 is funded by the European Union, contracted by ICMPD through the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF), by UNHCR Armenia, IOM and UN Armenia.
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Press Release
27 November 2023
United States supports WFP’s assistance to refugees in Armenia
With the generous support of the U.S. Government, WFP plans to reach approximately 20,500 people who have fled hostilities and are now living in the Ararat, Kotayk, and Gegharkunik regions. These regions host one of the highest numbers of refugees outside of Yerevan.
“We are grateful to the U.S. Government for the support during this emergency. This donation supports our efforts to ensure the well-being of thousands of refugees residing in Armenia, providing them daily access to food,” says WFP Representative and Country Director in Armenia Nanna Skau.
As part of the crisis response, WFP will provide food parcels to assist 20,000 refugees in covering their food needs over three months, contributing to improved livelihoods. Additionally, WFP will provide three hot meals each day for 500 refugees for three months totalling 135,000 hot meals. WFP will help distribute hot meals through mobile kitchens, school canteens, and arrangements for elderly residents.
“While providing urgent assistance for the upcoming winter, it's important to plan the next phase of support. This involves moving beyond immediate relief to strategies that stabilize lives and promote social cohesion,” added Saku.
In addition to immediate food assistance, WFP, with this contribution, will conduct a Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment to support evidence-based decision-making and its overall response planning. The comprehensive analysis will cover all regions, with a particular focus on areas where refugees have settled.
WFP is supporting the Government of Armenia through a range of initiatives, including emergency food assistance and cash-based transfers, nutritional support, and resilience-building.
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Press Release
30 November 2023
Climate change is an urgent threat to pregnant women and children
According to the document– Protecting maternal, newborn and child health from the impacts of climate change – the effects of climate events on maternal and child health have been neglected, underreported and underestimated. It highlights that very few countries’ climate change response plans mention maternal or child health, describing this as “a glaring omission and emblematic of the inadequate attention to the needs of women, newborns, and children in the climate change discourse”.
“Climate change poses an existential threat to all of us, but pregnant women, babies and children face some of the gravest consequences of all,” said Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director General for Universal Health Coverage, Life Course at the World Health Organization (WHO). “Children’s futures need to be consciously protected, which means taking climate action now for the sake of their health and survival, while ensuring their unique needs are recognized in the climate response.”
The year 2023 has been marked by a series of devastating climate disasters. Wildfires, floods, heatwaves and droughts are displacing people, killing crops and livestock, and worsening air pollution. An over-heating world is increasing the spread of deadly diseases like cholera, malaria and dengue, with dire consequences for pregnant women and children for whom these infections can be especially severe.
Research shows that harm can begin even in the womb, leading to pregnancy-related complications, preterm birth, low birthweight and stillbirth. For children, consequences can last a lifetime, affecting the development of their bodies and brains as they grow.
“Action on climate change often ignores that children’s bodies and minds are uniquely vulnerable to pollution, deadly diseases and extreme weather,” said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Programmes, Omar Abdi. “We do this at our peril. The climate crisis is jeopardizing every child’s fundamental right to health and well-being. It is our collective responsibility to listen and put children at the centre of urgent climate action, beginning at COP28. This is the moment to finally put children on the climate change agenda.”
The Call to Action highlights seven urgent actions to address these mounting risks. These include sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and action on climate finance, alongside the specific inclusion of the needs of pregnant women, babies and children within climate and disaster-related policies. The agencies also call for more research to better understand the impacts of climate change on maternal and child health.
“To find climate solutions that acknowledge the distinct health needs and vulnerabilities of women and girls we must start by asking the right questions,” said Diene Keita, the Deputy Executive Director for Programmes at UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. “Global climate solutions must support - not sacrifice - gender equality.”
The Call to Action was released by WHO, UNICEF and UNFPA at an online launch event, alongside an advocacy brief by the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH).
"Climate change is the biggest intergenerational injustice of our times. Safeguarding the health and rights of women, children, and adolescents is non-negotiable in the face of the climate crisis’’, said Rt Hon Helen Clark, PMNCH Board Chair and former Prime Minister of New Zealand. ‘’Every stakeholder, from governments to the private sector and health care professionals, holds a critical role in championing policies and actions that protect the most vulnerable. The urgency to integrate women, children and adolescent health needs into climate responses is not just a moral imperative, but an effective strategy with long term benefits for resilient and healthy societies’’.
During the COP28 meetings, delegates will mark the first ever Day of Health, noting the intractable linkages between the health of people and the planet.
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Press Release
24 October 2023
Majority of refugee children in Armenia enrolled in school one month after fleeing their homes
GENEVA/YEREVAN, Armenia, 24 October 2023 – Two-thirds of refugee children in Armenia are enrolled in national school systems, one month after an escalation of hostilities led to more than 21,000 school-age children fleeing their homes. Efforts must now focus on increasing access for the remaining 1 in 3 children currently not attending school, UNICEF said today.
“Schools are more than places of learning. This is especially true in times of displacement, unrest and uncertainty. Access to education provides refugee children with the structure and support needed to help them overcome their experiences. Schools also provide children with nutrition and mental health services, socialisation and much more to support their health and well-being,” said Christine Weigand, UNICEF Armenia Representative.
“Investment must be made in increasing access to schooling for the 1 in 3 refugee children not enrolled in education and ensuring schools are inclusive for all children.”
Children who arrived in Armenia have not had continuous access to quality education in recent years, making an inclusive school system that provides catch-up classes and tailored support critical.
UNICEF is on the ground working with the Government of Armenia and other partners to help refugee children access the care and support they need. Together with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, UNICEF is undertaking an assessment to identify needs and gaps in the current education system. This includes identifying areas that need bolstering and expansion to support effective inclusion of all refugee children.
UNICEF is providing educational kits including schools-in-a-box and early childhood development kits. In addition, UNICEF and its partners are distributing a first batch of 1,000 schoolbags with stationary for children. Procurement of additional 2,000 schoolbags to address the additional emerging needs is ongoing. UNICEF is also gearing up to expand learning spaces in host schools and preschools across the country.
So far UNICEF has provided mental health and psychosocial support, and health and nutrition support for up to 10,000 refugee children and their caregivers. UNICEF and partners have also provided more than 1,000 children and caregivers with child protection case management support, and over 3,000 with psychological first aid.
UNICEF is appealing for US $ 12.6 million to provide critical services including education, health, child protection, nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene in the first six months.
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Press Release
30 September 2023
World Food Programme responds to humanitarian crisis as thousands of people flee into Armenia
YEREVAN – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is ramping up its efforts to assist people who have recently arrived at the Armenian border. As of Friday, the Armenian government confirmed that more than 100,000 individuals have sought refuge in Armenia since 23 September.
This number of people arriving at the border has surged dramatically in recent days, leading to extended queues at border crossings. Among them are elderly people and many children. Those arriving at the border are often in a state of exhaustion and need immediate emergency aid, including hot meals and other food assistance.
WFP has constructed facilities at Goris, near the border in the southeastern province of Syunik, to serve hot meals to people entering Armenia. More than 2,000 hot meals were distributed to people crossing the border on Thursday. WFP plans to scale up to provide 21,000 meals in the next two weeks.
WFP is also providing food parcels containing protein-rich food items, grains and cooking oil for 30,000 people. In addition, WFP is ready to provide food cards to support more than 6,000 individuals and, working with partners and donors, to scale up further according to needs.
"We are deeply concerned about the impact on the lives and livelihoods of civilians. As the situation evolves, it is important that affected people receive timely and continued humanitarian support," said Nanna Skau, WFP Representative and Country Director in Armenia.
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