UNHCR Representative impressed by Armenians hosting displaced people after four-day war

YEREVAN, JUNE 20, ARMENPRESS. The issues of people displaced from Talish and Mataghis villages as a result of the escalation of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict are at the center of the UN’s attention.

“The escalation of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict in early April 2016 has also caused renewed destruction, human suffering and displacement, including into Armenia. The overwhelming majority of the displaced population consists of women, children and elderly most of whom originate from the most affected villages close to the line of contact such as Talish and Mataghis villages of Martakert region and many of them have specific needs, such as pregnant and lactating women or persons suffering from sickness or disability”, “Armenpress” reports, UNHCR Representative in Armenia Christoph Bierwirth said on June 20 on the occasion of World Refugee Day.

He said UNHCR in close cooperation with the State Migration Service and the Social Protection Units, who worked on identification and registration and also involving local authorities, local NGOs and volunteers, quickly developed a small assistance program, through which a modest cash assistance was offered to over 400 families (1429 persons) with a view to address their most urgent needs.

Bierwirth stated that most of the displaced families are presently hosted by relatives or family friends often themselves belonging to the poorer segments of the society. “Hard to see a family consisting of six members and living in bad conditions, that hosts 12 people from Karabakh to live together. I express my greatest respect for the principles and traditions of hospitality which we witnessed once again on this occasion”, he said.

It is observed that an increasing number of the displaced have returned or are considering return, but UNHCR would like to emphasize that the voluntary nature of return must be respected and returned. “UNHCR closely liaises with our ICRC colleagues as to assistance to be offered after return to Nagrono Karabakh”, Bierwirth stated.

He expressed hope that after the meeting between the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan significant steps will be taken towards the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement and stated that they have reviewed the preparedness plans to be ready for any development.