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07 May 2024
FAO Project Supports Refugee Households in Armenia to Access Agricultural Land
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30 April 2024
Minister of Environmental Protection Hakob Simidyan accepts FAO Representative in Armenia, Raimund Jehle and the Special Representative of the FAO Director General, Daniel Gustafson
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30 April 2024
Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan and FAO Representative Raimund Jehle convene for productive talks on collaboration
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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:
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20 April 2024
Take care of your loved ones, get vaccinated today
Vahan and Marietta Share Their Family's Experience with Measles and the Recovery path.Take care of your loved ones, get vaccinated today.
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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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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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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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08 May 2024
FAO Project Supports Refugee Households in Armenia to Access Agricultural Land
In response to the displacement of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh in late September 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a project aimed at supporting refugee households in Armenia to access agricultural land. Many of these displaced individuals, who were engaged in farming activities, have resettled in rural areas of Armenia where agriculture represents their primary means of livelihood.During November – December 2023, the refugee families which had recently settled in rural areas of Tavush Province were interviewed, as part of an FAO-led internal context analysis to solicit their interest in engaging in agricultural activities. The outcome of this analysis was used to identify the settlements in Tavush with potentially most refugee households interested in acquiring access to agricultural land.This project that was officially launched in January 2024, aims to facilitate access to land for refugee families while boosting local agricultural production for domestic consumption. Through targeted support, FAO seeks to establish linkages with local value chains and ensure social cohesion within communities.During the initial phase of the project, which commenced in February and March 2024, FAO worked closely with refugee households in three settlements in Tavush and Lori Provinces. Six refugee households in the Tavush settlement and eight in the Chinari settlement have confirmed their interest in accessing agricultural land. Additionally, efforts are underway to contact private landowners who are not utilizing their land, inquiring if they would be interested in leasing it out to refugeehouseholds. Lease agreements for the first ten land parcels are currently being prepared and are expected to be signed during April 2024. In Achajour settlement, there are some refugee families that are currently interested in access to land. Simultaneously, as the process of identifying potential matches between landowners and refugee households progresses, FAO are also identifying and mapping out the additional requirements of refugee households related to initiating agricultural production."The project aims to provide a sustainable solution for refugee households to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. By facilitating access to agricultural land and providing necessary support, we aim to empower these households to engage in agricultural production and contribute to increased agricultural output in Armenia" says Vahan Amirkhanyan, Technical Coordinator of the project. Despite challenges such as unresolved inheritance issues among landowners and restrictions on land ownership for foreign citizens, FAO remains committed to facilitating lease agreements and addressing the needs of refugee households.Moving forward, FAO will continue its work with supporting refugees in Tavush and Lori Provinces, with project activities fully underway. FAO will work closely with development partners to meet the identified needs of refugee households and promote agricultural development in Armenia. For additional information:FAO Programme CoordinatorBotagoz NartayevaEmail: botagoz.nartayeva@fao.orgMobile: +374 43381219Online presencePhotos FAO FlickrFAO newsFAO press releases RSS feed@FAOnews TwitterFAO Representation in ArmeniaGovernmental bld. No 3, 3rd floor, room 362Yerevan 0010, Republic of ArmeniaTel.: +374-10-525453FAO-AM@fao.orgMailing Address:UN House, 14 P. Adamyan Street. FAO Box 0010 Yerevan,Republic of ArmeniaEmail: FAO-AM@fao.orgURL:http://www.fao.
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30 April 2024
Minister of Environmental Protection Hakob Simidyan accepts FAO Representative in Armenia, Raimund Jehle and the Special Representative of the FAO Director General, Daniel Gustafson
On April 16, Hakob Simidyan, the Minister of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Armenia met with FAO Representative in Armenia, Raimund Jehle and the Special Representative of the FAO Director General, Daniel Gustafson.Minister Hakob Simidyan welcomed FAO delegation. He emphasized the good examples for cooperation and the wide scope for further collaboration. The Minister stressed and appreciated the ongoing 8-year project sponsored by Global Climate Fund (GCF) "Forest resilience of Armenia, enhancing adaptation and rural green growth via mitigation" that was launched in 2022. Raimund Jehle, reaffirmed the willingness of FAO to advance shared commitment to environmental sustainability through implementation of our joint GCF project. “This project is a great example of our mutual agreement to foster a resilient and sustainable green future. Together, with the fruitful cooperation between the Ministry of Environment and FAO, we seize the opportunity to set a global standard for harmonious development that equally prioritizes economic progress and environmental preservation.” Jehle updated the Minister on the current progress of the project, focusing on key topics such as the methodology for the National Forest Inventory and innovative replanting strategies for upcoming planting season.“Forest resilience of Armenia, enhancing adaptation and rural green growth via mitigation” is the project funded by Green Climate Fund and co-funded by Government of Armenia, Austrian Development Agency, FAO, Bolzano Autonomous Province and World Wildlife Fund with overall budget of USD 19 million. The primary objective of this initiative is to ensure that CO2 removals from the forest subsector are increased by at least 7% via sustainable climate adaptive forestry investments and fuelwood energy efficiency with effective involvement of communities.
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30 April 2024
Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan and FAO Representative Raimund Jehle convene for productive talks on collaboration
On April 16, the Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan and Deputy Minister of Economy Arman Khojoyan met with Raimund Jehle, Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN in Armenia.Gevorg Papoyan thanked FAO for its effective cooperation related to the support in creating resilient and sustainable food system. He stressed that it was of great importance for the economy of Armenia. He also highlighted the importance to support further digitalization of the sector. He made specific reference to the importance of safeguarding the livelihoods of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh and welcomed FAO’s current work in this regard supporting refugees utilizing innovation and best practices from other countries that can be replicated in Armenia.Jehle expressed his appreciation for productive collaboration between the Ministry and FAO. He reaffirmed the commitment of FAO in continuous cooperation with the Ministry of Economy in the field of food systems transformation and emphasized the importance of advancing the cooperation with the focus on FAO's "Four Betters": better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better life for all. Underscoring the pivotal role of agriculture in Armenia's economic development, Jehle elaborated, "Our joint efforts in shaping sector strategies exemplify our close cooperation. As the FAO, we are committed to support the Government of Armenia with implementing sectoral reforms, innovative projects, and capacity-building initiatives." He also made reference to the upcoming 34th Session of the FAO European Regional Conference in Rome and invited the Minister to attend.The meeting covered a range of relevant topics, from the current state of agriculture in Armenia to strategies for enhancing forest resilience and pasture management in the face of climate change impacts. Discussions also revolved around expanding adaptation measures, advocating for sustainable land management practices and increasing access to agricultural land, as well as promoting green agriculture development in rural areas.
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08 April 2024
Technical Training Workshop focusing on SDG 2.1 target was held
The workshop delved into SDG 2.1.1“the Prevalence of Undernourishment” and SDG 2.1.2 “the Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the population based on the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). The recent adoption of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda has been both an opportunity and a challenge to define the national SDG monitoring framework. In this context, Statistical Committee of Armenia (Armstat), asked for a technical support regarding the above SDG 2.1 food security indicators to FAO Statistics Division (ESS)/Food Security and Nutrition Statistics Team.The workshop was conducted by Firas Yassin, Food Security Statistician from FAO/ESS. He has an extensive experience in leading the capacity development activities on both SDGs indicators in most of the countries in FAO - Europe and Central Asia region. The training was also supported by Ms. Sara Zakaryan, Food Security Analyst from the ESS.During the opening remarks of the training SDG monitoring framework and brief introduction of the SDG indicators for which FAO is custodian were introduced. General introduction Household Integrated Living Conditions Survey with a special focus on food consumption modules was done. The actual training involved theoretical background, technical and practical training on the analysis of food consumption and demographic data for the estimation of PoU (SDG 2.1.1). The training also provided theoretical knowledge and hands-on-data training on the use of FIES and the estimation of SDG 2.1.2. In addition to their use of monitoring progress towards SDG 2, both Food Security indicators have the ability to support national policy makers to draw national food security policies and programs. In specific, they can help identifying vulnerable populations and guide and monitor the effects of national food security policies and programmes, identify risk factors for and consequences of food insecurity, and, lastly, support with data-based evidence and information the decision-making and policy implementations.The training was well attended. Participants were from ArmStat, other public institutions, as well as UN agencies. Participants engaged in discussions and practical sessions aimed at enhancing their understanding and capacity to address these critical aspects of sustainable development.
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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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Press Release
01 May 2024
Global immunization efforts have saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years
The study, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), shows that immunization is the single greatest contribution of any health intervention to ensuring babies not only see their first birthdays but continue leading healthy lives into adulthood. Of the vaccines included in the study, the measles vaccination had the most significant impact on reducing infant mortality, accounting for 60% of the lives saved due to immunization. This vaccine will likely remain the top contributor to preventing deaths in the future.Over the past 50 years, vaccination against 14 diseases (diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, measles, meningitis A, pertussis, invasive pneumococcal disease, polio, rotavirus, rubella, tetanus, tuberculosis, and yellow fever) has contributed to reducing infant deaths by 40% globally, and by more than 50% in the African Region."Vaccines are among the most powerful inventions in history, making once-feared diseases preventable,” said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Thanks to vaccines, smallpox has been eradicated, polio is on the brink, and with the more recent development of vaccines against diseases like malaria and cervical cancer, we are pushing back the frontiers of disease. With continued research, investment and collaboration, we can save millions more lives today and in the next 50 years.”The study found that for each life saved through immunization, an average of 66 years of full health were gained – with a total of 10.2 billion full health years gained over the five decades. As the result of vaccination against polio more than 20 million people are able to walk today who would otherwise have been paralysed, and the world is on the verge of eradicating polio, once and for all.Released ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) to take place in May 2024, the study is the most comprehensive analysis of the programme’s global and regional health impact over the past five decades. Founded in 1974 by the World Health Assembly, EPI's original goal was to vaccinate all children against diphtheria, measles, pertussis, polio, tetanus, tuberculosis, as well as smallpox, the only human disease ever eradicated. Today, the programme, now referred to as the Essential Programme on Immunization, includes universal recommendations to vaccinate against 13 diseases, and context-specific recommendations for another 17 diseases, extending the reach of immunization beyond children, to adolescent and adults.The study highlights that fewer than 5% of infants globally had access to routine immunization when EPI was launched. Today, 84% of infants are protected with 3 doses of the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) – the global marker for immunization coverage.Nearly 94 million of the estimated 154 million lives saved since 1974, were a result of protection by measles vaccines. Yet, there were still 33 million children who missed a measles vaccine dose in 2022: nearly 22 million missed their first dose and an additional 11 million missed their second dose. Coverage of 95% or greater with 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine is needed to protect communities from outbreaks. Currently, the global coverage rate of the first dose of measles vaccine is 83% and the second dose is 74%, contributing to a very high number of outbreaks across the world. To increase immunization coverage, UNICEF, as one of the largest buyers of vaccines in the world, procures more than 2 billion doses every year on behalf of countries and partners for reaching almost half of the world’s children. It also works to distribute vaccines to the last mile, ensuring that even remote and underserved communities have access to immunization services.“Thanks to vaccinations, more children now survive and thrive past their fifth birthday than at any other point in history,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “This massive achievement is a credit to the collective efforts of governments, partners, scientists, healthcare workers, civil society, volunteers and parents themselves, all pulling in the same direction of keeping children safe from deadly diseases. We must build on the momentum and ensure that every child, everywhere, has access to life-saving immunizations.”Since the study only covers the health impact of vaccination against 14 diseases, the number of lives saved due to vaccination is a conservative estimate and not a full account of the life-saving impact of vaccines. Societal, economic or educational impacts to health and wellbeing over the 50 years have also contributed to further reductions in mortality. Today, there are vaccines to protect against more than 30 life-threatening diseases. Global immunization programmes have shown what is humanly possible when many stakeholders, including heads of state, regional and global health agencies, scientists, charities, aid agencies, businesses, and communities work together. Today, WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and BMGF are calling on world leaders to advocate, support and fund vaccines and the immunization programmes that deliver these lifesaving products – reaffirming their commitment to public health, while celebrating one of humanity’s greatest achievements. The next 50 years of EPI will require not only reaching the children missing out on vaccines, but protecting grandparents from influenza, mothers from tetanus, adolescents from HPV and everyone from TB, and many other infectious diseases.
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Press Release
25 March 2024
Call from 100+ Pantheon of Global Leaders for Urgent Agreement on Governments to Reach Ambitious & Equitable International Deal to Prepare for and Prevent Future Pandemics
Former UN General Secretary Ban-ki Moon, New Zealand’s former Prime Minister Helen Cark, former UK Prime Ministers Gordon Brown and Tony Blair, former Malawi President Joyce Banda, former Peru President Franciso Sagasti, and 3 former Presidents of the UN General Assembly are amongst 100+ global leaders, from all continents and fields of politics, economics and health management who today issued a joint open letter urging accelerated progress in current negotiations to reach the world’s first ever multi-lateral agreement on pandemic preparedness and prevention. “A pandemic accord is critical to safeguard our collective future. Only a strong global pact on pandemics can protect future generations from a repeat of the COVID-19 crisis, which led to millions of deaths and caused widespread social and economic devastation, owing not least to insufficient international collaboration,” the leaders write in their joint letter.In the throes of the Covid-19 disaster which, officially, claimed 7 million lives and wiped $2 trillion from the world economy, inter-governmental negotiations to reach international agreement on future pandemic non-proliferation were begun in December 2021 between 194 of the world’s 196 nations. Nations set themselves the deadline of May 2024 by which they should reach agreement on what would be the world’s first ever Pandemic Accord.The ninth round of Pandemic Accord negotiations are underway this week and next. Signatories of today’s open letter hope their combined influence will encourage all 194 nations to maintain the courage of their Covid-years conviction and make their own collective ambition of an international pandemic protocol a reality by the intended May deadline to enable ratification by the World Health Assembly at its May 2024 Annual General Assembly.And they urge negotiators “to redouble their efforts” to meet the imminent deadline and not let their efforts be blown off course by malicious misinformation campaigning against the WHO, the international organisation which would be tasked with implementing the new health accord.Taking a swipe at those who wrongly believe national sovereignty may be undermined by this major international step forward for public health the signatories say “there is no time to waste” and they call on the leaders of the 194 nations taking part in the current negotiations to “redouble their efforts to complete the accord by the May deadline.”The letter, hosted on the website of The Office of Gordon and Sarah Brown states, “Countries are doing this not because of some dictum from the WHO – like the negotiations, participation in any instrument would be entirely voluntary – but because they need what the accord can and must offer. In fact, a pandemic accord would deliver vast and universally shared benefits, including greater capacity to detect new and dangerous pathogens, access to information about pathogens detected elsewhere in the world, and timely and equitable delivery of tests, treatments, vaccines, and other lifesaving tools.“As countries enter what should be the final stages of the negotiations, governments must work to refute and debunk false claims about the accord. At the same time, negotiators must ensure that the agreement lives up to its promise to prevent and mitigate pandemic-related risks. This requires, for example, provisions aimed at ensuring that when another pandemic threat does arise, all relevant responses – from reporting the identification of risky pathogens to delivering tools like tests and vaccines on an equitable basis – are implemented quickly and effectively. As the COVID-19 pandemic showed, collaboration between the public and private sectors focused on advancing the public good is also essential.”“A new pandemic threat will emerge; there is no excuse not to be ready for it. It is thus imperative to build an effective, multisectoral, and multilateral approach to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Given the unpredictable nature of public-health risks, a global strategy must embody a spirit of openness and inclusiveness. There is no time to waste, which is why we are calling on all national leaders to redouble their efforts to complete the accord by the May deadline.”“Beyond protecting countless lives and livelihoods, the timely delivery of a global pandemic accord would send a powerful message: even in our fractured and fragmented world, international cooperation can still deliver global solutions to global problems.”
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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
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
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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Latest Resources
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Resources
22 December 2023
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