Statement by Delegation of Armenia - Mr. Arsen Kotanjyan, First Secretary of Permanent Mission, at UNGA79 3rd Committee, item 60: Report of UN High Commissioner, questions[...]

Mr. Chair,

We would like to thank the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for his report and for the essential work that continues to address the ever-growing refugee and displacement crises. We also commend UNHCR's important role and contributing to Armenia for over more than 30 years.

Armenia is deeply concerned by the scale of forced displacement driven by military violence and human rights abuses. The rapidly deteriorating humanitarian landscape, particularly in the Middle East, continues to bring about devastation of unprecedented levels, with a detrimental impact on the civilian populations. Addressing the crisis requires a steadfast commitment by all member states to uphold the principles of international law, including most essentially the IHL.

We approach today's discussion with a deep understanding of the challenges of displacement - an understanding grounded in our country's history. Our own experiences, which have left nearly every Armenian family with memories of resilience and rebuilding, have made our population acutely aware of the challenges that refugees face.

Today, Armenia is confronted with the complex humanitarian challenges of displacement, having received over 115,000 refugees within a matter of days in September 2023. Among the refugees, approximately 31% were children who had been directly exposed to the horrors of military violence, malnourishment, and deprivation. In response to this unprecedented humanitarian crisis, Armenia had to mobilize resources to address the urgent needs of the displaced population and to provide them with shelter and support, with a strong focus on preventing the separation of children from their families.

The scale of the displacement crisis has placed immense pressure on existing resources in housing, healthcare, and education, demanding emergency responses to address urgent needs of the refuges, particularly those from vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and individuals suffering from chronic conditions. We acknowledge and appreciate UNHCR's continued efforts to address dire humanitarian needs and its support to the refugees.

Significant efforts have been made to address the humanitarian needs of the forcibly displaced population, prioritizing their protection and integration into society. However, the challenges remain considerable. Transitioning from the emergency response phase, Armenia's current focus centers on supporting the socio-economic rights and sustainable livelihoods of refugees. Priorities include providing adequate housing, access to education, employment opportunities, and creating systems that ensure long-term support for refugee populations. At the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, Armenia made a series of voluntary pledges to reinforce these commitments, ensuring that refugees have access to services that will enable them to build independent and stable lives. The government is continuously evaluating its progress in fulfilling these commitments, and it is clear that the work must continue until a durable solution is achieved.

Armenia prioritizes the implementation of development programs alongside emergency aid. In this regard, the assistance of international organizations and donor countries will be critical to achieving sustainable outcomes, ensuring that refugees are empowered to rebuild their lives with dignity.

Mr. Chair,

The refugee and displacement crises require international collaboration and a commitment to address root causes, which include persistent history of human rights abuses and systemic discrimination. Armenia has consistently underscored the vulnerability of populations in conflict zones and the imperative of safeguarding their rights in accordance with international law. The gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law remain significant drivers of mass displacement. In this regard, it is crucial that member states take decisive actions to establish early warning systems and, more importantly, mechanisms for timely response, as delays in addressing early crisis indicators result in dire humanitarian consequences.

Thank you.