The UN Armenia Country Team visited the affected communities of Gegharkunik, Syunik and Vayots Dzor
23 September 2022
The UN Armenia Country Team had substantive discussions with the representatives of different communities of Gegharkunik, Syunik and Vayots Dzor.
“My UN colleagues and I visited Gavar, Shatvan, Norabak, Kut, Sotk. I witnessed the deepest sadness and suffering of men, women, youth, and children - many of them had in the past experienced the loss of communities, livelihoods, and homes. I am deeply moved by their resilience and their call for their rights to live in peace and security in their country,” said Lila Pieters Yahia.
On the sidelines of the visit to Gegharkunik, the Governor of Gegharkunik region, Mr. Karen Sargsyan, and the Head of Vardenis community, Mr. Aharon Khachatryan briefed the UN Armenia Country Team, led by the UN Resident Coordinator a.i. Ms. Lila Pieters Yahia.
The UN team was provided with an overview of the magnitude of the affected infrastructures including roads, gas pipelines, electricity, and water systems, and how the affected population had to flee their homes, livelihoods, and communities to seek safe refuge.
The Governor informed the UN team that 2077 children had to interrupt their education last week. There is also a risk of farmers losing the current harvest and missing out on the next sowing season. The UN team was also informed about the ongoing reallocation of budgetary means being undertaken by the Government to support the local authorities in repairing the damaged infrastructures before winter enabling people their rights to return and live in their homes and with their communities.
The parties also discussed the targeted support to affected persons, including children, women, and vulnerable groups.
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On the sidelines of the visit to Syunik, the UN Armenia Country Team, led by the UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Armenia Ms. Lila Pieters Yahia, had a meeting with the representatives of non-governmental organizations in Kapan. The meeting was organized in cooperation with the regional subdivision of the Office of the Human Rights Defender of the RA in Kapan.
There was a strong call from the representatives of non-governmental organizations to enhance safety and security and to make sure women are involved in peace and security matters in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
Within the framework of the visit to Syunik, the UN Armenia Country Team, led by the UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Armenia Ms. Lila Pieters Yahia, was received by the Governor of Syunik Mr. Robert Ghukasyan.
The Governor presented to the UN team the changed development priorities, and discussed issues related to the security of the region, the protection of vulnerable groups, and the unimpeded operation of various institutions in the current situation. During the meeting, a number of issues, including the organization of the educational process, internally displaced persons, the healthcare system, primary medical care, food security, and other topics were discussed. The sides have agreed to continue the implementation of the previously discussed programs.
Concluding the UN Armenia Country Team’s visit to Syunik, the UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Armenia Ms. Lila Pieters Yahia noted:
“Local authorities are resilient and determined to preserve the safety, security, development, and prosperity of their communities. They are ready to invest in strengthening the preparedness and self-reliance of their communities. People, including women and elderly, want to engage in peace processes and have the right to see their children and grandchildren's growth”.
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On the sidelines of the visit to Vayots Dzor, UN Armenia Country Team, led by the UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Armenia Ms. Lila Pieters Yahia, was received by the Governor of Vayots Dzor Mr. Ararat Grigoryan.
The Governor briefed on the situation in the region, detailing the damages to the community infrastructures, sanatoriums, private structures, and the population of Jermuk.
During the meeting, the security of the region, the protection of vulnerable groups, the unimpeded operation of various institutions, as well as the organization of the educational process, internally displaced persons, the healthcare system, primary medical care, food security, and other topics were discussed with the heads of the UN resident agencies.