Armenia

Two major ongoing events defined 2020 for Armenians: the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan. As in many countries, the most vulnerable people were the ones who felt the deepest impacts of the pandemic like day or seasonal laborers, people with disabilities, and others. The brief but violent border dispute in the fall left thousands of Armenians dead and about 66,000 people from the region displaced in Armenia, with nothing but what they could carry as they fled their homes. As political instability from the border dispute continues, tens of thousands of children and families remain in uncertainty about their homes, livelihoods, and futures. Thanks to the support of partners, the children and families we serve received quick assistance for both the pandemic and the border dispute. During the pandemic, thousands of families have been supported with emergency food and hygiene supplies along with technical equipment to help keep kids connected to school. Families affected by the conflict have access to food, warm clothes and blankets, hygiene items, and more, and children have psychosocial support at Child-Friendly Spaces. [prayers] For a peaceful resolution to the current situation at the Armenian-Azerbaijan border that’s causing instability and tense political situations. For the children and families who fled their homes without any possessions due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and who now have no place to live and no jobs to earn a living in Armenia.