Christoph Bierwirth: for the recent years Armenia received a big number of refugees from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, as well as from countries of Africa
ArmInfo. "For the recent several years Armenia received a big number of refugees from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, as well as from the countries of Africa. Only from
Syria 22.000 refugees came to Armenia, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Christoph Bierwirth stated during the press conference.
He stressed that previous year, about 300 families from Syria moved
to Armenia and about 100 families this year. "Of course, after the
liberation of Aleppo the number of refugees decreased, but now it is
still dangerous there. Of the 22,000 refugees, according to the
Ministry of Diaspora, 17,000 remained in Armenia, and according to UN
15,000. Many families moved to the US, Canada and the Persian Gulf
countries. However, the majority remained in Armenia, "Bierwirth
said, adding that about 10-15 families returned to Aleppo. Among
those who returned, there are doctors who felt that their help is now
more necessary in Syria.
He also informed that after last year's April war at conflict zone
of Karabakh , 2000 people moved from Artsakh to Armenia. As he said,
because Armenians, due to historical circumstances, were forced to
migrate often, refugees in Armenia are very well received, not only
by the Government, but also by the society.
"Many students received an opportunity to finish education, many
refugees found jobs. Syrian Armenians changes the atmosphere in
Yerevan in many directions", the expert stressed. Bierwirth also
stated that Armenian Government helps the refugees as much as it is
possible, now very profitable loans are given to them for small and
average business.
However he noted that receiving refuges to Armenia, the issue of
housing is very actual , and many refugees leave the Republic.
Among the problems, the expert also pointed to the strictness of the
laws of the country in case of illegal crossing the state border.
According to him, Armenian legislation in such cases provides for a
very heavy punishment. As an example, he cited the case of three
Afghans who were sentenced to 3 years in prison for illegally
crossing the Armenian border. "No European country has such a severe
punishment for illegal border crossing, which is a violation of the
rights of refugees, but we hope that the Armenian Government will
take into account international experience and change the form of
punishment," he concluded.
To note, June 20 is international refugee day. Last year, 65 million
refugees addressed the UN. In 2016, the number of refugees has
increased strictly. Most of the refugees were from Syria,
Afghanistan, South Sudan and Sudan. The largest number of refugees
were taken by Turkey, Pakistan, Lebanon and Iran. Every second
refugee is a child. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the work
of UN Refugee Agency in Armenia. The department provides
humanitarian, legal, medical assistance, improves the conditions of
shelters, and also helps people with integration into a new society.