Red Cross Society Provides Assistance to Individuals Affected by the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

The Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) has been providing humanitarian assistance to individuals relocated to Armenia for safety reasons since the very first days of the escalation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Today, due to the created circumstances, the humanitarian needs of those affected by the conflict are diverse, ranging from socio-healthcare to psychological support. The ARCS, which operates throughout the territory of Armenia as a neutral and independent organization, mobilizes all its human and financial resources to respond to these needs, said ARCS Secretary General Anna Yeghiazaryan.

In cooperation with the Government of Armenia and local self-governing bodies, the ARCS has mobilized 1,300 volunteers, providing food, clothing, hygiene kits, personal use necessities, bedding items, medical supplies, first aid training, and kits, as well as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes to over 45,000 individuals in Yerevan and in 34 communities across 9 regions.

The ARCS psychologists and first aid teams have provided psychological support and psychological first aid to nearly 10,000 people, including injured soldiers in hospitals and their relatives, individuals contacting the ARCS hotline, citizens participating in the identification processes of bodies of the deceased during the conflict, as well as the families of the missing and captives.

Specially trained volunteers from the ARCS are working in temporary shelters across 7 regions, assisting 2,500 children sheltered in schools, kindergartens, and hotels, organizing their daily routines and providing psychological support.

The ARCS post-trauma rehabilitation center is fully dedicated to the treatment and recovery of injured servicemen. To prevent family separations caused by the conflict and to facilitate the reunification of separated families, the ARCS has activated its “Search” service, which has received nearly 3,200 calls to date.

The ARCS has aided individuals sheltered in private accommodations by ensuring access to essential services such as electricity, heating, and water, providing 311 million AMD for utility expenses in November. More than 3,100,000 USD has been allocated to the Armenian Red Cross Society by partners in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as well as international and local organizations to respond to the most urgent and immediate needs of the people.

All activities are carried out following anti-epidemic regulations, contributing to their adherence by providing informational leaflets and protective materials. Considering that winter is approaching, and humanitarian needs will multiply, we are developing mid-term programs to ensure access to essential services and basic necessary items, including heating, electricity, and water. Subsequently, based on assessments and critical needs, we will transition to developing and implementing early recovery and reconstruction programs,” added Secretary General Anna Yeghiazaryan. “For 100 years, the Armenian Red Cross Society has been a steadfast partner to the most vulnerable populations in the country.”

Armenian Red Cross Society