Refugee children arriving in Armenia are showing signs of severe psychological distress, according to reports from social workers who have been providing specialized care to children and families after fleeing their homes in recent weeks.

In an online press release dated October 10, UNICEF said that all of the 30,000 children that have fled their homes since the escalation of hostilities in their communities two weeks ago "are at risk of deteriorating mental health without immediate support."

Social workers operating in two safe spaces that UNICEF established with partners in Goris, which can serve up to 300 children daily, have reported that children are dealing with intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, fear and anger, manifesting in nightmares, bedwetting, and inconsolable crying.

Others have shut down and become detached, leaving them unable to express emotions or connect with the situation around them, according to the social workers.

More than 30,000 ethnic Armenian children have arrived in Armenia since the escalation of hostilities in their home communities two weeks ago. UNICEF pointed out that in addition to displacement, children arriving in Armenia have not been able to continue their education and have lived in an unsafe or insecure environment with families reporting the fear of attacks.

"We are now seeing the extent to which these children have suffered. Displacement and hostilities, compounded by deprivation have wreaked havoc on their physical and mental health and psychological well-being. Without sustained support, children are at risk of bearing the effects of these deeply distressing events for years to come," said Christine Weigand, UNICEF Armenia Representative.

"As we come together to mark World Mental Health Day, Unicef calls for adequate investment in mental health and psychosocial support for children through the health, child protection and education systems. This is equally important not only in terms of early identification and immediate support but also in the long run as families will continue to deal with loss and post-traumatic stress," she added.

UNICEF said it is on the ground and working with the government of Armenia to provide support for refugee children. The agency is training professionals to provide psychological support on the front-lines, and it has formed mobile pediatric teams for a wider outreach.

The UN agency is appealing for US $12.6 million to provide critical services including education, health, child protection, nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene in the first six months.

https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/52574/refugee-children-in-armenia-risk-psychological-distress-unicef