No one should be forced to flee their home: UNHCR

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is deeply concerned about the increase in the number of refugees arriving in Armenia in recent days.

According to reports from Voice of America, the UNHCR has called for the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian and refugee law.

“As of noon today, the government of the Republic of Armenia has reported that nearly 19,000 people have entered Armenia since September 23, which is three times more than yesterday. Long queues are forming at the borders,” the agency's message states.

According to UNHCR, most of the arrivals are from vulnerable groups, primarily the elderly, women, and children. Those who have arrived in Armenia are exhausted and in urgent need of medical, psychological, and social support. The cold weather at night and limited conditions for shelter have made providing accommodations urgent.

“This decades-long conflict, which has flared up again, has caused the displacement of thousands of people. Our teams are on the ground and are trying to provide immediate assistance. We must ensure that civilians are protected and that humanitarian aid can reach those in need,” stated UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

According to the UN Refugee Agency, the Armenian government has undertaken the establishment of a coordinating structure with the support of the UN, aimed at jointly implementing an inter-agency emergency response program along with the UN's resident coordinator's office to assist the government.

UNHCR has provided non-food items, such as folding beds and mattresses, to those displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. Preparations are ongoing for the provision of additional goods, as “needs continue to grow.” The government has set up several registration points for displaced persons in the southeastern region of Syunik and Gegharkunik province, where needs for protection and assistance are also being assessed.

“UNHCR has also announced that it is providing technical assistance. The UN refugee agency has reiterated its call to refrain from actions that would lead to further displacement of civilians and to ensure their safety, security, and human rights. “No one should be forced to flee their home,” emphasized UNHCR.