The EU continues to support WFP in addressing the growing needs of refugees in Armenia
Yerevan, ARMENIA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed a contribution of €3.5 million from the European Union (EU) to meet the urgent food needs of refugees in Armenia who fled the conflict that began last year. The EU initially allocated €2.5 million for refugees' immediate needs, later adding €1 million as the situation worsened with 84% of the refugee population in need of food assistance in December 2023 according to a joint UN and government assessment.
WFP is supporting around 12,500 refugees in Syunik, Gegharkunik, Lori, Shirak, and Ararat through cash assistance at the value of US$108 per person over three months. This allows families to buy nutritious food from local shops, securing their food needs and improving their well-being during this challenging time.
“We’re deeply grateful for the EU’s contribution, which allows WFP to continue supporting thousands of refugees across the country put food on their tables in such a difficult time in their lives,’’ said WFP Representative and Country Director Nanna Skau. ‘’Thanks to this contribution, WFP is also able to apply an integrated approach that addresses both food security and emotional needs. By supporting families in this way, we help them build better livelihoods and improve their stability.”
With the EU’s support, WFP, in partnership with World Vision (WV), is providing psychosocial assistance to 10,000 refugees by creating child-friendly spaces in schools, running self-help groups for adults, setting up community feedback channels, and offering counselling and recreational activities for children. These efforts help families relieve stress and trauma, with parents learning positive parenting skills and children having safe spaces to share their feelings and make new friends.
WFP’s intervention complements the ongoing efforts of the Government of Armenia and its partners to support refugees by delivering food and cash assistance to the most vulnerable communities and integrating a multitrack approach to ensure long-term resilience and enhanced self-reliance among those affected.
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About the World Food Programme
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
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About the European Union
The European Union and its Member States are the world’s leading donor of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by disasters and man-made crises. Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the EU provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs.