ACT ALLIANCE ALERT: SYRIAN REFUGEES IN ARMENIA

Reuters
Nov 7 2012

Syrian Refugees

Geneva, 7 November 2012

1. Brief description of the emergency and impact

The armed conflict in Syria has caused 1,2 million internally displaced
people and 360,000 refugees who are seeking protection outside the
country (OCHA 2 Nov. 2012). Some 7,000 Syrians fled to Armenia where
540 families were registered so far by the Ministry of Diaspora as
“families in need”. 90 families have filed refugee claims with the
responsible State authorities, but in the majority of cases the
arriving Syrian Armenians do not register by any entity as they
consider Armenia their home country.

2. Why is an ACT response needed?

ACT Alliance member, the Armenia Inter-church Round Table Foundation
(ART), in close cooperation with the Ministry of Diaspora has carried
out an assessment showing that the situation for the Syrian Refugees
in Armenia is worsening. Many refugees arrived with limited means to
cover basic needs, and those who could at first rely on savings or
support from host families are now increasingly in need of assistance
in terms of shelter, food, and warm clothing.

3. National and international response

Local authorities, the Armenian Ministries of Diaspora, Health,
Education, Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), Armenian Relief
Society, UNHCR, UNICEF, FAO and other organizations have begun the
needs assessment. Several of these service providers have already
supported the Syrian refugees but additional assistance is needed.

4. ACT Alliance response

ART is coordinating the response together with other ACT Armenia
Forum members. UMCOR, Armenia is planning to provide some 240 pieces
of hygiene supplies to families.

5. Planned activities

ART will identify the most vulnerable families and is planning to
provide food packages for one-month duration, first aid kits and
blankets. A request for Rapid Support Funds (RRF) will be made to
carry out the support project which will be implemented by ART, UMCOR,
Armenia and the Araratyan Patriarchal Diocese. The affected people
are also getting psychological and spiritual support from the clergy.

Any funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jean-Daniel
Birmele, Director of Finance (jbi@actalliance.org)