Policy Recommendation: Strengthening Refugee Assistance and Integration in Armenia

19.03.2025

Introduction
The Regional Center for Democracy and Security (RCDS) convened the "Direct Dialogue: Addressing Refugee Needs in Armenia" conference on February 4, facilitating discussions between forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh, international stakeholders, and Armenian civil society representatives. The discussions highlighted significant gaps in current assistance programs, legal frameworks, and integration policies. This policy recommendation outlines strategic measures to enhance refugee support, improve integration, and strengthen Armenia’s advocacy for international assistance.

Key Problems Identified

1. Lack of Comprehensive Information Channels for International Stakeholders
   • International organizations and donor states often rely on government reports rather than direct input from affected refugee communities.
   • Limited independent assessments and on-the-ground evaluations lead to an incomplete understanding of refugee conditions.
2. Fragmented and Inefficient Assistance Framework
   • Lack of coordination between the Armenian government, international organizations, and civil society leads to duplication of efforts and gaps in aid distribution.
3. Limited International Support for Armenia’s Refugee Crisis
   • The Armenian government has been relatively passive in securing substantial international humanitarian aid compared to other refugee crises.
   • Disparities in funding allocation show that displaced NK Armenians receive significantly less per capita aid than refugees from conflicts in Syria and Ukraine.
   • Weak international advocacy limits financial and technical assistance programs for displaced persons.
4. Inefficiencies in Housing Assistance Programs
   • Displaced families struggle to secure permanent housing due to the inefficiencies of the government’s housing program.
   • Lack of affordable housing options exacerbates long-term displacement issues.
5. Legal and Administrative Challenges for Displaced Persons
   • Inaccurate refugee databases and slow administrative processes delay access to essential services and legal status recognition.
   • Limited access to legal aid and procedural inconsistencies hinder refugees from acquiring citizenship. 
   • The current legal framework does not sufficiently protect displaced persons from discrimination or ensure equal access to public services.
6. Barriers to Economic Integration and Employment
   • Limited vocational training programs prevent displaced persons from acquiring skills relevant to Armenia’s labor market.
   • Employers lack incentives to hire displaced individuals, limiting job opportunities.

7. Challenges in Reintegration of Former Artsakh Defense Army Personnel
   • Many former servicemen lack alternative qualifications and face obstacles in transitioning to civilian professions.
   • Only a small percentage of former Artsakh Defense Army personnel have been able to integrate into Armenia’s armed forces.
   • Psychological challenges and lack of rehabilitation programs hinder their reintegration into society.

Policy Solutions

1. Enhancing Information Channels for International Stakeholders
   • Establish mechanisms for direct refugee engagement with international actors.
   • Encourage independent assessments and field visits to improve situational awareness.
   • Strengthen collaboration between international organizations and local civil society to ensure a broader, more accurate information network.
2. Developing a Coordinated and Transparent Assistance Framework
   • Create a centralized task force involving government ministries, international organizations, and civil society to optimize integration programs. 
   • Align policies and initiatives across agencies to maximize efficiency in refugee assistance programs.
3. Strengthening Armenia’s Advocacy for Increased International Support
   • Adopt a proactive diplomatic strategy to secure higher levels of humanitarian aid.
   • Leverage bilateral and multilateral partnerships to expand financial and technical assistance programs.
   • Work with international organizations to ensure long-term sustainable funding.
   • Implement a targeted international communication strategy to highlight the challenges of displaced NK Armenians and attract wider support.
4. Implementing Legal Reforms for Displaced Persons
   • Simplify and expedite the process of acquiring citizenship
   • Replace outdated refugee databases with accurate and updated ones.
   • Ensure consistent access to legal aid and develop policies protecting displaced persons from discrimination.
5. Promoting Economic Integration and Employment Opportunities
   • Expand vocational training and job placement programs in collaboration with the private sector.
   • Offer more financial incentives for businesses hiring refugees, including tax breaks and training subsidies.
6. Strengthening Civil Society Infrastructure and Local Cooperation
   • Enhance the capacity of civil society organizations to better support displaced individuals. Foster close collaboration with local authorities to ensure effective refugee assistance. Provide accessible legal education programs to help refugees understand and exercise their rights.
      
7. Developing a Structured Reintegration Policy for Former Artsakh Defense Army Personnel
   • Implement targeted reskilling programs to facilitate transition into civilian careers.
   • Create clear pathways for former servicemen to integrate into Armenia’s security forces.
   • Establish psychological support and rehabilitation programs.

Conclusion
A comprehensive, inclusive, and well-coordinated approach is essential to address the needs of forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh. By implementing these policy recommendations, Armenia can enhance its refugee assistance framework, secure greater international support, and foster long-term stability and integration for displaced populations. The government, international partners, and civil society must work together to create sustainable solutions that prioritize the rights and well-being of displaced individuals while strengthening Armenia’s overall resilience and capacity to address future displacement challenges.

The conference and the Policy Recommendation was implemented with financial assistance from the Eurasia Partnership Foundation within the framework of the “Crisis Response: Stage 2” program.

Aram Tadevosyan

Analyst, Regional Center for Democracy and Security