On March 24, the Inter-Agency Commission on the Coordination of Syrian-Armenians’ Issues held a subsequent session, which was moderated by RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan.

Greeting the participants of the session, the RA Minister of Diaspora expressed gratitude to the representatives of government agencies, as well as international, ecclesiastical and pan-Armenian structures for their active participation. The Minister noted that the sessions of the inter-agency commission would hereinafter be held in a wide format and would include representatives of all organizations and individual benefactors dealing with the issues concerning Syrian-Armenians. Touching upon the current state of the Syrian-Armenians, the Minister regretted to mention that Syria is still in a dire situation. “The war in Syria continues, and our compatriots are constantly moving. The main problems are housing and employment. Our efforts continue,” she particularly mentioned.

Head of the Department for Passports and Visas of the Police adjunct to the Government of the Republic of Armenia Mnatsakan Bichakhchyan delivered a report on the first item on the agenda referring to the Syrian-Armenians having acquired Armenian citizenship and having obtained a residency status throughout the year 2015. Congratulating the RA Ministry of Diaspora on moving to a new building, Bichakhchyan wished the staff of the Ministry success and fruitful activities. The speaker noted that a total of over 16,000 Syrian-Armenians have obtained Armenian passports, entry visas and residency statuses between 2012 and 2016.

Head of the State Migration Service Gagik Yeganyan presented the activities being carried out with Syrian-Armenians seeking shelter and their key issues. The speaker noted that few Syrian-Armenians apply for shelter. To this day, out of the 980 Syrian-Armenians having addressed the Service, 795 have been provided with shelter through an accelerated procedure.

Legal Affairs Director of the Office of the UNHCR in Armenia Kate Pchapsky delivered a report on the programs carried out last year and the upcoming programs and noted that the UNHCR recorded an unprecedented flow of refugees last year, that is, nearly 60 million people. “As far as Armenia is concerned, there are few refugees, but compared with the number of the population, the figures are impressive. Our partnership is important in solving the issues facing Syrian-Armenians. We need to expand our partnership and carry out new programs,” Pchapsky said.

“Today, the Armenian Diaspora has started a movement to raise funds to pay the rents for 600 plus families. As a result of the fundraisers, Diaspora Armenians have raised $350,000 dollars. The UN House and other international organizations should join the efforts. International organizations seriously need to help the Syrian-Armenians,” Hranush Hakobyan added.

President of the Center for Coordination of Syrian-Armenians’ Issues NGO Lena Haladjian talked about the Center’s activities carried out last year and the upcoming programs.

Head of the Department of Medical Aid Policies at the RA Ministry of Health Tsaghik Vardanyan delivered a report on the current issues related to the organizing of medical assistance for Syrian-Armenians.

Summing up the session, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan urged all organizations dealing with Syrian-Armenians’ issues to take into consideration the major priority issues facing the Syrian-Armenians settling in the Homeland and only then touch upon the minor issues. She expressed gratitude to all the structures and organizations dealing with Syrian-Armenians’ issues for their fruitful efforts. “All the issues related to Syrian-Armenians need to be primary issues,” the Minister emphasized.