Edmon Marukyan's Claims Have No Relation to Reality: Response from the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia has released a clarification on its Facebook page:

“Responding to the statement made by Edmon Marukyan, the leader of the "Enlightened Armenia" faction in the National Assembly, regarding the alleged homelessness of citizens temporarily transferred from Artsakh to Armenia and the assertion that the ministry is inactive, we must note that these claims by the NA deputy have no relation to reality. All citizens who have applied to the ministry for housing have been offered accommodation. If they agree, arrangements have been made for their transfer to temporary shelters.

No one from Artsakh who has applied to the ministry is homeless in Armenia.

Additionally, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs reminds that citizens temporarily transferred from Artsakh to Armenia who do not have a temporary residence or host can go to the Arabkir’s House of the Armenian Community located at Nersisyan 14/1 in the Kanaker-Zeytun administrative district, where a preliminary accommodation center for people from Artsakh continues to operate 24/7.

At the center, citizens can stay for up to 24 hours, with facilities for food, overnight stays, and rest available. An assessment of needs is conducted on site, and accommodation requests are filled out. Arrangements for further transfers to temporary accommodations are organized from the center. There are also psychologists and social workers working at the center.

The ministry’s 114 hotline continues to operate 24/7, where individuals can get answers to their pressing questions, necessary guidance, and submit their accommodation requests.

The operational headquarters for social support at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs is still functioning, dedicated to forming the accommodation fund and coordinating needs. The ministry is in constant contact with partner organizations in Artsakh, including the Artsakh State Minister, to address the social issues faced by our compatriots from Artsakh. The ministry is ready to assist our colleagues from Artsakh within the scope of its authority as needed.”