REFUGEES ARE IN UNFAVORABLE SITUATION
Support A1+!GRINGO Regional Network in Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia conducts a number of actions aimed at focusing the attention of governmental and non-governmental organizations on the problems of refugees. Similar actions have already been conducted in Armenia – in Silikyan district in Yerevan and in Nor Khachavan village in the region of Lori. Now the village of Amasia in the region of Shirak is in the center of attention.
Within the framework of its mission the “Ark of Hope” NGO established in 2002 implemented programs on social, economic spheres and on protection of human rights. It also carried out programs aimed at the development of regions in Armenia.
Alongside, the organization tries to contribute to the social-economic integration of refuges in the RA with the assistance of various institutions.
According to Arsen Ovanesov, Head of the “Arch of Hope” NGO, refugees have not completely integrated into the society. The best result accomplished during the last 8 years is that they have improved their language skills. The refugees did not have that opportunity in Azerbaijan since in 1970s all Armenian schools were closed there.
People in Amasia remember the past with nostalgia when their social situation was incomparably better. Only few people in the village are employed now, mainly by state institutions.
Mr Ovanesov mentioned that in the past refugees got some aid from international organizations. However, today there are deprived of that assistance.
About 800 families live in the village today and the whole village is in extremely bad situation.
12 families of refugees are on the edge of loosing shelters. Certain people privatized the areas which once were occupied by them.
The only good thing in Amasia is the well-preserved library. About 51 thousand books are kept in the library. Marina Gazaryan, member of GRINGO Network
Coordinating Council, said that the library would serve as a gathering place for the refugees. Thus, reminding the presence of refugees in the environment and pointing out their problems to the officials.
The article is prepared by the employees of “Tsajg” TV Channel.
