Statement by Ms. Syuzanna Martirosyan, Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Armenia, at the ECOSOC Special Meeting on Forced Displacement and Refugee Protection

24 April, 2025

Mr. President,

We would like to express our appreciation for convening this pertinent meeting on forced displacement and refugee protection. We also thank the distinguished speakers for their insightful contributions.

The international community is currently witnessing an unprecedented surge in forced displacement, driven largely by armed conflicts in direct violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. These challenges result in humanitarian needs that far exceed available resources, placing immense pressure on protection systems.

Armenia has long been affected by unresolved waves of displacement and refugee crises and is acutely aware of the profound humanitarian consequences they cause. The number of refugees constitute 4% of the entire Armenian population, which adds to the 4,078 recognized refugees from Iraq, Syria, Ukraine, Egypt, Myanmar, Congo, and Sudan, already present in the country.

In 2023 the military offensive by Azerbaijan that resulted in forced displacement of the entire 115. 000 indigenous Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh created a dire humanitarian situation, requiring immediate and coordinated action. Over two-thirds of those displaced are women and children. Moreover, a significant number of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh are victims of multiple displacements.

In response, the Government granted temporary protection to refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, recognizing their status on a prima facie basis under the Law on Refugees and Asylum (2008). The Refugee Coordination Forum was established in collaboration with UNHCR, bringing together various stakeholders, under the inter-agency Refugee Response Plan to facilitate timely and effective response to the needs of refugees.

In line with the pledges made at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, Armenia has been actively implementing mid-term and long-term humanitarian and development programs, ensuring that refugees can rebuild their lives with dignity and stability. Despite significant pressure on the existing resources, the Government allocated approximately 1% of its GDP, around USD 208 million, in 2024 to support the refugee integration process. Given the urgent need for sustainable housing solutions, Armenia has initiated a five-year financial assistance program with an allocated budget of USD 2 billion by 2029 to support refugees in purchasing or building homes, particularly in rural areas. To promote the socio-economic inclusion of refugees into the labor market, the Government's Employment State Support Program provides vocational training, internship opportunities, and financial incentives for employers. Access to higher education is facilitated through targeted scholarships and tuition compensation for refugee students. Over 70,000 refugees have been registered at primary healthcare centers and receive essential services, despite ongoing pressure on the healthcare system due to the increased demand and limited resources.

Armenia underscores the importance of strong international support in ensuring a rights-based and inclusive response to displacement and refugee crises. In this regard, we deeply appreciate UNHCR’s swift and effective efforts in addressing urgent needs and providing protection to refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh. The ICRC has also played a crucial role, complementing broader refugee relief efforts. Additionally, international financial institutions and bilateral partners have made significant contributions through financial aid and humanitarian assistance.

Mr. President,

It is sad to hear that UNHCR has had to substantially reduce overall income projections for 2025, especially in these turbulent times for refugees, internally displaced and stateless people. Understanding the triggers behind the decision, we believe it would be appropriate in this case to inventorize the priorities of UNHCR, particularly in those countries that have received and continue to receive refugees, facing enormous socio-economic and financial burdens in protecting and integrating them.

The first stage of cooperation with international partners, including the UN offices in Yerevan, particularly with UNHCR was quite productive, now we must move forward, paying special attention to mid-term and long-term programs, which require an essential financial assistance to ensure continuity of operations.

A coordinated international response is essential to meet the lifesaving, protection, and early recovery needs of displaced populations, while simultaneously strengthening the capacities of host communities and advancing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Armenia remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing programs grounded in the humanitarian–development–peace nexus, with the goal of enabling the dignified integration of refugees and fostering a sustainable development agenda that serves all.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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