Armenian National Institute
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November 25, 2023
Published November 25, 2023
IOM Armenia’s vision is to work towards ensuring that the over 100,000 refugees who arrived in Armenia in September and October 2023 have the opportunity to integrate fully into Armenian society, should they wish to do so. Working closely with the Armenian government, which is leading the emergency and post-crisis response, IOM plans to continue delivering life-saving assistance and improving the resilience of refugees and local communities, engaging in targeted interventions to support durable solutions, and contributing to evidence-based programming across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus (HDPN).
Funding Required: $11,530,000
75,150 people targeted
18 entities targeted
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Saving lives and protecting people on the move | |
| Shelter and settlements | $800,000 |
| Direct health support | $700,000 |
| Mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian response | $300,000 |
| Protection | $2,400,000 |
| Emergency preparedness | $200,000 |
| Displacement tracking | $500,000 |
| Driving solutions to displacement | |
| Livelihoods and economic recovery | $4,000,000 |
| Community stabilization | $1,500,000 |
| Health system strengthening | $1,000,000 |
| Adaptation and disaster risk reduction | $130,000 |
| Total Funding Required | $11,530,000 |
Since September 24, 2023, over 100,000 refugees have arrived in Armenia, following the recent escalation of the decades-long conflict in the region. This includes entire families, men, women, children, and older persons. Men and women are relatively equal in number among arrivals - 48 percent are men and 52 percent are women, while 28 percent are children and 18 percent are older persons. Approximately 16 percent of the affected population are estimated to live with a disability, according to the Armenia Refugee Response Plan (Oct 2023 - Mar 2024). Prior to their arrival, refugees faced months of blockades with limited access to food, medicine, and other basic supplies. They are now in Armenia, needing immediate lifesaving, medium- and long-term support.
Most refugees are settling in areas with pre-existing family networks and access to services. Those without support or the ability to rent accommodation are directed by the government to localities with available temporary accommodation. Currently, 40 percent of refugees are housed in government-run temporary accommodation, including old or empty buildings. The government is working to find more permanent solutions. Most refugees are in Yerevan (43%) or the Syunik border region (15%), with expected secondary movements within Armenia.
Needs include access to healthcare, mental health support, and livelihood opportunities. Protection risks are high, especially for women and girls vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV) and all refugees at risk of poverty and exploitation.
The Government of Armenia leads the emergency response, coordinating national efforts and policies for durable solutions. The UN Country Team and IOM support this response through sectors like Health, Protection, Shelter/Non-Food Items, and Early Recovery.
Armenia faces natural hazards like earthquakes and flooding. The Rescue Services manage prevention, mitigation, and response, currently undergoing restructuring. IOM provides technical support for training and emergency procedures, especially for internal displacement after disasters.
The Government of Armenia has granted temporary protection to refugees (Decree 1864-N, 26.10.2023), focusing on life-saving needs.
IOM participates in coordination mechanisms for the refugee crisis. UN agencies coordinate to support the Government's response. The Refugee Coordination Forum, launched on October 17, 2023, is the primary platform for government, UN, and civil society actors to coordinate support for immediate and long-term solutions. IOM also coordinates bilaterally with other UN agencies, national/international organizations, and government ministries.
Established in 1993, IOM Armenia shapes migration policies through policy advice, capacity-building, technical assistance, diaspora engagement, and direct assistance. With experienced staff and operational capacity, IOM supports urgent refugee needs in Armenia, including shelter, protection, health, and long-term integration.
IOM ensures safety, dignity, and access to assistance without discrimination. Community participation and feedback mechanisms enhance gender and protection mainstreaming. Women and girls’ participation in decision-making and social cohesion activities are prioritized. The Crisis Response Plan reflects priorities shared by affected populations, authorities, and partners.
IOM collaborates with national and international stakeholders on migration issues. It advises Armenia on migration policies, manages data systems, and supports comprehensive migration management, including humanitarian responses like the current refugee crisis.
People Targeted Description
IOM supports refugees in government shelters and rural areas with shelter repairs, non-food items (NFIs), health services, MHPSS, and protection. Vulnerable local community members access emergency health and protection services. Technical assistance enhances registration systems and supports government capacity for crisis management.
IOM provides shelter improvements, NFIs distribution, and health services access:
IOM enhances health services for refugees and local communities:
IOM collects and analyzes data on refugee movements and needs:
IOM promotes self-reliance and economic recovery:
IOM protects refugees and local communities from abuse and exploitation:
IOM enhances Armenia's capacity for disaster response:
IOM supports social cohesion and local development:
IOM strengthens Armenia's resilience to environmental risks:
IOM supports refugee and host community economic opportunities:
IOM addresses trauma and psychological distress:
IOM supports refugee integration and community engagement:
The Armenia Crisis Response Plan 2024 outlines IOM’s commitment to supporting refugees and host communities in Armenia, focusing on life-saving assistance, protection, and long-term solutions. Through coordinated efforts with the Armenian government, UN agencies, and other partners, IOM aims to enhance resilience and promote sustainable development amidst the ongoing crisis. This plan reflects IOM’s dedication to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all affected populations, with a focus on inclusivity, empowerment, and community-driven solutions.
This article is reproduced from International Organization for Migration (IOM) (2023). Armenia Crisis Response Plan 2024. Geneva: IOM.
For more information: crisisresponse.iom.int/response/armenia-crisis-response-plan-2024