The “Strengthening Protection Mechanisms for Persons Forcibly Displaced from Artsakh” program launched in Armenia on February 1st, and on November 19th, stakeholders discussed the presentation of legal support and resocialization efforts.
The discussion was opened by Gevorg Simonyan, representative of the “Civil Society Institute” NGO, and NGO Director Artak Kirakosyan, who welcomed the attendees, highlighting the close collaboration between state structures, local governments, civil society, and international organizations on this issue.
Gevorg Simonyan presented the “Juremonia” program and emphasized that the main goal of the program is to promote civil society’s role in justice sector reforms. It was noted that 22 civil society organizations are members of the program and are actively involved in its implementation. Based on the events of 2023 and current challenges, crisis support programs for forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh are being implemented under a sub-grant agreement within the “Monitoring Justice Sector Reforms in Armenia” program.
Then Artak Kirakosyan noted that during the meeting, the problems identified so far, existing needs, and necessary steps for their solution would be presented. Kirakosyan emphasized that the problems are diverse – from household issues to matters requiring systemic solutions.
Mariam Zadoyan, representative of the Armenian Lawyers Association, presented the main objectives of the “Strengthening Protection Mechanisms for Forcibly Displaced Persons from Nagorno-Karabakh” program, implemented actions, and functions of the armrights.am platform. Detailed reference was made to issues raised within the program framework and possible solutions.
Special attention was paid to issues of persons left out of social support programs during the discussion. The speaker emphasized the need to eliminate time limitations for submitting applications in support programs, as many people have been deprived of the opportunity to receive support due to this. It was proposed to develop an effective mechanism so that persons displaced in 2020 but not included in the Operational Headquarters lists could be included in the beneficiary list by presenting appropriate evidence.
Artak Kirakosyan, Director of the “Civil Society Institute” NGO, proposed implementing a “one-window” principle as an effective mechanism for problem-solving and integration. He noted that although this approach has been proposed during previous discussions, some state body representatives objected, claiming that this approach would hinder integration. Kirakosyan raised several issues related to the lack of state inventory and housing program limitations. He suggested considering the possibility of changing mortgage conditions and addressed certain aspects of the employment program, particularly the appropriateness of hairdressing and manicure services in rural settlements and what opportunities this would provide to forcibly displaced persons.
Special reference was made to housing programs as a primary need for forcibly displaced persons. In particular, it was noted that the program has deviated from its main goal of providing housing to forcibly displaced persons and instead focuses on populating border settlements.
Mariam Zadoyan also raised several other issues related to the restoration of civil status act registrations, cooperation with the Compulsory Enforcement Service, partial compensation for material damages caused by the 2020 displacement, and mandatory citizenship requirements.
After the reports, forum participants directed questions to the speakers. One attendee raised issues regarding human rights organizations’ visits to boarding institutions, grounds for rejecting housing program applications, and the possible impact of citizenship acceptance on the right of return.
Marianna Avagyan, representative of the Armenian Lawyers Association, in response to the inquiry, informed that their organization provides legal support within the framework of cooperation with local self-government bodies. Community residents, regardless of their place of residence, are notified in advance about legal consultation visits. Legal consultation is available to all interested persons, including those living in boarding institutions who need legal advice.
Anna Makaryan, representative of the Migration and Civil Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, presented the legal status and legislative regulations for persons displaced from Artsakh. She noted that from the first day of forced displacement in 2023, the Migration and Citizenship Service began maintaining a unified registry of displaced persons. Difficulties arose when displaced persons had no identifying documents.
Few knew that there was an agreement between Armenia and Artsakh, according to which Armenia, as a guarantor state, could provide identity documents to ensure their free movement and exercise of rights. Initially, these documents were provided only to persons specially mediated by Artsakh authorities. Later, to facilitate the process, it was decided to print passports on-site, designating the code 070.
Marianna Avagyan inquired whether having Armenian citizenship could be grounds for not including a person in the displaced persons registry.
The Migration and Citizenship Service representative responded that citizenship status cannot in any way prevent a person from being included in the displaced persons registry.
To substantiate her concern, Avagyan presented a specific case where the Migration and Citizenship Service had written rejection of including a forcibly displaced person in the registry, based on their Armenian citizenship status. In response, the Migration Service representative suggested examining this case in detail, suggesting there might be other reasons for rejection besides citizenship status alone.
Artak Kirakosyan inquired about the dynamics of displaced persons’ needs and the work being carried out by TCSD.
In response, the TCSD representative answered that currently there are no significant issues regarding primary needs, and issues arising in communities are being resolved immediately.
The TCSD representative further emphasized that they act as a connecting link, conducting continuous discussions between forcibly displaced persons and state bodies.
