Switzerland supports WFP for resilience and economic recovery of border communities in Armenia

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a US$ 1 million contribution from the Government of Switzerland to improve resilience and provide a long-term economic support to the border communities of Armenia. Through the aid approved by the Swiss Development Agency (SDC), WFP will directly target 3,000 people from 15 borderline settlements․

“The past two years have been particularly difficult for the people living in border communities of Armenia. The contribution received from the Government of Switzerland is critical to support thousands of people affected by the military escalations in September 2022”, said WFP Deputy Country Director and Officer-in-Charge in Armenia, Nanna Skau.” WFP will continue working with partners and the Government of Armenia to reach more people ensuring no one is left behind.”

Many displaced families living in border areas faced significant hardships to meet their food and other essential needs in recent years. Most people still heavily rely on some type of social assistance to make ends meet. 

The donation received from Switzerland will help WFP provide humanitarian support to both conflict-affected and most vulnerable populations in Syunik, Gegharkunik, and Vayots Dzor regions. To support people in need, WFP and partners will provide psycho-social services, cash assistance, as well as support to longer-term economic recovery to help overcome the difficulties caused by the recent conflicts and shocks.

“Switzerland has a longstanding tradition of humanitarian assistance to Armenia in time of need, which started with the Spitak earthquake of 1988,” said the Ambassador of Switzerland to Armenia, H.E. Lukas Rosenkranz, during the official project signing ceremony between the SDC and the WFP.

During the past two years, Armenia faced significant challenges to carry out its socioeconomic reform. Several serious shocks such as COVID-19, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and the recent military escalation between Armenia and Azerbaijan increased poverty and pushed thousands of people into food insecurity.

WFP will continue to closely collaborate with different ministries to develop a strong social protection system by improving communities’ readiness and preparedness to respond to various potential shocks and crises.