UNHCR MARKS WORLD REFUGEE DAY IN ARMENIA
armradio.am
03.07.2009 15:33
Today the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in
Armenia invited Government of Armenia, the United Nations family,
diplomatic missions, local and international organisations, private
sector and refugees to mark World Refugee Day as well as to inaugurate
the Social House in Darbnik village of Ararat marz, reconstructed
for Iraqi refugee families in Armenia.
In 2008, the building of the former agricultural college in Darbnik
village of Ararat marz was kindly and readily provided to UNHCR
by the Government of Armenia, namely the Ministry of Territorial
Administration of the Republic of Armenia/State Migration Agency, and
was remodelled into 46 social apartments and 1 social room by UNHCR’s
implementing partner YMCA Shelter. Furthermore, Government of Armenia
ensured that the infrastructure of the building, gas and electricity,
is in place, and Ararat marz authorities and Darbnik community greatly
contributed to the installation of the external infrastructure of the
building. With the generous support of UNHCR’s partner in the private
sector, VivaCell-MTS, UNHCR was able to complete the remodeling works
of one block of the social house. Moreover, to secure basic living
conditions for Iraqi refugees, UNHCR Armenia, jointly with US Embassy
in Armenia, provided/will provide basic furniture sets to the families
in their new social apartments in Darbn ik.
UNHCR Armenia, through its implementing partners, Mission Armenia
Charitable Social NGO and the Armenian Centre for Health and
Education promotes social integration of refugees in Darbnik by
helping them to integrate in the host community and in the society,
in general. Further, the Future is Yours Charitable Social NGO,
UNHCR’s partner for organizing this event, carried out a range of
bridging community activities for refugees in Darbnik.
In her opening speech, UNHCR Armenia Representative Bushra Halepota
wished the Iraqi families joy in their new neighbourhood and a
dignified and happy life together in the generous community of
Darbnik. "Indeed, a house is built by bricks but a home and community
are built by hearts, and it is the close link with the community
that makes this beautiful tuf building into a happy abode for Iraqi
families", Bushra Halepota added.
"Our duty is to ensure that those people who have been uprooted from
their homes, and came to their Motherland, do not leave it in search
of safe haven somewhere else.", said VivaCell-MTS General Manager.
"VivaCell-MTS as a corporate citizen, wants to contribute to this great
initiative of housing, initiated by UNHCR. We believe that social
adaptation and integration of people forced to flee their country
starts from having their secure corner. We, the Armenians of Armenia,
have to do our best to create conditions for the se people to stay
and see their children’s future here, in the historical motherland",
added Ralph Yirikian.
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister of
RA Armen Gevorgyan, VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian,
honourable guests and refugees joined the UNHCR Armenia Representative
in the tour around the Social House. They planted trees in the area of
the Social House which symbolized the start of a new life of Iraqi
refugee families in Darbnik. The event was also celebrated with
national cuisine, exhibition and colourful performances of refugee
children from Darbnik and regions, passing the message of hope, peace,
warmth and solidarity.