UNHCR CONVENES NATIONAL CONSULTATIONS TO JOINTLY FIND WAYS TO IMPROVE REFUGEE PROTECTION IN ARMENIA
armradio.am
06.11.2008 11:49
Today the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR),
Government of the Republic of Armenia, European Union, the United
Nations family, diplomatic missions, international, local and
non-government organisations as well as refugees gathered at Marriott
Armenia hotel for two-day National Consultations to discuss migration
and asylum issues with the objective of further strengthening the
capacity of the Republic of Armenia in the area of refugee protection.
National Consultations organised by UNHCR, is a follow up to
the comprehensive study ‘Analysis of Gaps in the Protection of
Refugees and Asylum Seekers’, jointly conducted by UNHCR and the
State Migration Agency with the financial support of the European
Union. The study is undertaken on the heels of Armenia’s signing of
the European Neighbourhood Policy programme, which sets out strategic
objectives of cooperation between Armenia and the European Union for
the 2007-2013 time period.
Among various legal issues to be addressed such as admission,
Refugee Status Determination, and status related issues, the study
further identifies the unmet socio-economic and cultural needs of
refugees that hinder their full local integration in Armenia. "In
the context of Armenia where the majority of refugees cannot return
to their home country in safety and dignity, sustainable full local
integration is the preferred durable solution for them. Integration
demands commitment from each and everyone of us", UNHCR Armenia
Representative, Ms. Bushra Halepota stated in her opening speech. "At
today’s National Consultations we will discuss and highlight the
unmet needs of refugees and asylum seekers in Armenia and will make
recommendations on the ways to jointly address those needs to find
durable solutions to them", added UNHCR Representative.
The National Consultations represent a joint effort of all the
stakeholders and aim to develop practical mechanisms and approaches for
strengthening the capacity to receive and protect refugees in Armenia.