WFP and USAID Mission: Assessing Refugee Support in Armenia

WFP Armenia recently hosted a two-day visit from the USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) focusing on the support for refugee families in several provinces across Armenia.

During the mission, Adrienne Toumayan, Regional Humanitarian Advisor, and the delegation met with local officials, community social workers, and families receiving assistance through a USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance funds. In Ararat and Kotayk provinces, they conducted in-depth discussions with regional officials from the regional administration and social workers to assess the impact of recent conflicts on refugee families and identify their needs.

A heartwarming yet challenging visit was to a family in Hrazdan, Kotayk—a 90-year-old grandmother caring for her three orphaned grandchildren and her disabled son. This family faced severe struggles to meet their basic needs due to the displacement and loss of documents, which hindered their access to government assistance.

The support from USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, providing essential food rations for three months, has been a lifeline for this family, helping them to cope with their daily challenges. The team also reviewed food allocation processes and discussed the broader needs of refugees, noting that Kotayk has seen the highest number of refugees and thus requires significant assistance.

The mission highlighted the role of ongoing support from donors like USAID, ensuring that vulnerable families receive the aid they need during these tough times. The dedication of WFP and USAID continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

With a US$ 1.13 million grant from the United States Government through USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, WFP provided essential emergency food assistance to approximately 30,000 refugees in Armenia for seven months. Food parcels were distributed across various provinces from February 2024 to September 2024, while food cards were provided to refugees from June through the end of July 2024.

This support helped addressing immediate needs and ensuring the well-being of those affected across the country.