REFUGEES ARE IN UNFAVORABLE SITUATION
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[02:45 pm] 19 June, 2007
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.