Armenia – Contribution to Refugee Response Plan

Project completed

As part of its emergency response to the arrival in Armenia of more than 100’000 people from Nagorno Karabakh between 24.09 and 04.10.2023, Switzerland, through the SDC, provides an unearmarked contribution of CHF 500’000 to the UN Inter-Agency Refugee Response Plan (RRP) that supports the Government of Armenia’s efforts to host these people in the best possible conditions in view of the coming winter, and to enhance the resilience of both host communities and the newly arrived refugees.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Armenia
Humanitarian Assistance & DRR
Protection, access & security
15.10.2023 - 31.03.2024
CHF  500’000
Background Following the recent escalation of the decades-long conflict in the region, 100’632 refugees, incl. 30’000 children, arrived in Armenia from neighbouring Nagorno-Karabakh between 24.09 and 04.10.2023. The refugees are currently located in different regions across Armenia. Refugees arrived physically and psychologically exhausted. They were hungry, in need of emergency assistance including counselling, warm clothes and medicine. The Government of the Republic of Armenia is leading the response to ensure protection and life-saving needs of refugees as well as ensuring medium- and longer-term planning. 
Objectives The Inter-Agency Refugee Response Plan is to support urgent life-saving needs and the resilience of the refugees and host communities to complement the national response led by the Government of Armenia.
Target groups

101’000 newly arrived refugees in Armenia

35’000 pre-existing refugee, asylum-seeker and stateless population

95’000 host communities

Total: 231’000 persons

Medium-term outcomes

SO1: Support the government to ensure refugees have access to protection and address their immediate basic needs, with a particular focus on winterization

SO2: Support service provision through national system

SO3: Foster the socio-economic inclusion and livelihoods of refugees through self-reliance activities and support, and the progressive inclusion into Armenian society and economy

Results

Expected results:  

Food security and Nutrition

  • Number of individuals receiving (in kind/cash/vouchers) assistance
  • Number of children/caregivers receiving infant and young children feeding counselling

Resilience

  • Number of people who benefitted from livelihoods, income generating activities and economic inclusion interventions
  • Number of individuals participating in activities promoting social cohesion and peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
United Nations Organization (UNO)
  • Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees


Coordination with other projects and actors Additional Credit (CHF 500’000) to REBCA Project (7F-07643), which is part of Armenia Inter-Agency RRP (“earmarked contribution”). 
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    500’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    500’000 Budget inclusive project partner CHF    92’150’000 Total project since first phase Budget inclusive project partner CHF   500’000
Project phases

Phase 1 15.10.2023 - 31.03.2024   (Completed)