Mr. Andreas Papaconstantinou, Director for the European Neighbourhood, Middle East and South-West and Central Asia at the European Commission’s Directorate General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), carried out this mission to see firsthand the impact of the collaborative efforts of local authorities and humanitarian partners in providing protection and support to refugees and learn about the needs of the refugees and the host communities.
Masis Municipality hosted the EU Humanitarian Aid delegation, UNHCR and partners. ©Masis Municipality
The EU officers’ visit underscores the significance of these joint actions in helping refugees rebuild their lives and integrate into Masis and other communities.
Masis town and the villages forming Masis consolidated community in Armenia’s Ararat province, with a population of 76,751 individuals (including 6,500 refugees from Karabakh; 3,213 males, and 3,287 females), has shown solidarity in welcoming and supporting refugees. Despite the challenges posed by this sudden increase in population, Masis continues to be a place where hope and resilience thrive, embracing these new arrivals, extending a helping hand to those in need.
Mr. Papaconstantinou, Director for the European Neighbourhood, Middle East and South-West and Central Asia at the EC DG ECHO, accompanied by representatives of UNHCR and partners, such as People in Need (PIN), Médecins du Monde (MdM) and Mission Armenia (MA) organizations, visited Masis community on 22 January 2025 to see firsthand how the collective response is transforming lives. The visit focused on assessing the impact of EU Humanitarian Aid and multi-donor-funded projects and the ongoing humanitarian support provided to refugees, including services in protection monitoring, psychosocial support and legal counselling, case management, and social cohesion. The mission also aimed to understand the evolving needs of the refugees and the host community and discuss avenues for future humanitarian activities in Masis.
The field visit began with a warm welcome to the Director and the mission team by the local authorities at the Masis Municipality, led by the Masis Deputy Mayor, Mr. Norayr Hakobyan, who provided an update on the current situation of the refugee families, their hopes and future plans and shared the challenges and opportunities within the community.
The Deputy Mayor has been at the forefront of this effort, helping coordinate essential services by ensuring refugees feel integrated and supported. In 2023, he led Task Force to facilitate emergency assistance to refugees, including shelter, food, and medical support. “We are proud to be able to offer a warm welcome to nearly 14,000 refugees from Karabakh and lend them a helping hand during that difficult time,” said Hakobyan. “It is through a joint action and continuous collaboration that we can make a real difference in their lives. We deeply appreciate continuous cooperation and support by European Union, a crucial donor for Masis and entire Armenia that always stands together with refugees and host communities.”
Director Papaconstantinou, emphasized the importance of collective efforts in addressing the ongoing refugee situation. “The hospitality and resilience of the Masis community is truly inspiring,” he said. “European Union remains committed to providing humanitarian support to those in need. We value the collaboration between local authorities, humanitarian organizations, and development actors. Together, we can ensure refugees receive the aid they require to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. The dedication and solidarity of all involved are key to making a lasting impact.” The Director stated.
EU Humanitarian Aid Director observing UNHCR technical assistance to Youth Center in Masis Municipality ©Kiri Atri/UNHCR.
Mr. Nicolas Louis, EU humanitarian expert based in Armenia, emphasized the important work of the service providers, particularly social workers and psychologists and to leave no one behind. He stated, “Community outreach and case management are crucial for identifying and addressing the specific needs of those at risk, ensuring they receive our care and support they rely on.” Effective case management is key to providing tailored interventions that improve the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals, among the women-headed households, single elderly and persons with disabilities who feel alone and isolated, living in remote settlements with limited access to services and companionship.
“Protection of refugees is a collective effort,” said Kiri Atri, External Relations Officer at UNHCR Armenia. Expressing gratitude for Government leadership in response and timely support from EU support, and civil society, he said “Collective efforts are necessary to support the refugees and communities hosting them, to rebuild their lives together in a spirit of coexistence. Understanding and compassion for the plight of refugees is ultimately the foundation for our work.”
During the visit, the Director Papaconstantinou met with Ms. Zina Sahakyan, refugee from Karabakh, at her bakery in Masis town, where she inspired him with her strength and resilience. Fleeing Karabakh with her family in September 2023, Zina quickly adapted by opening a bakery, determined to provide support for her family of eleven. Despite the challenges of balancing business and home life, she spoke of the importance of community and support. “Running this bakery isn’t just about making a living; it’s about rebuilding our future,” said Zina. “It gives us a sense of purpose, and I am grateful for the support I have received. However, shelter is still an issue – I am now paying rent both for apartment and bakery. I however hope that one day we’ll have a home of our own in this hospitable community of Masis.”
Director Papaconstantinou with Zina in her small bakery in Masis, Ararat province. ©Kiri Atri/UNHCR.
The efforts of humanitarian partners like UNHCR, PIN, Mission Armenia, and Armenian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and MdM continue to address the ongoing needs of refugees. MdM’ health services and psychosocial support programs have reached thousands of individuals, helping refugees cope with the emotional and physical toll of displacement, and by including the most vulnerable host communities in the response to promote social cohesion
The team also met with vulnerable refugees who had found temporary solutions through the shelter, renovated, and furnished by UNHCR in collaboration with UNDP. Rena, single older refugee woman, living in the Masis Shelter, remarked, “Since I am an older person and can’t afford a rental, this shelter has been a lifeline for me.” The visit highlighted the critical role the shelter plays in providing a safe and supportive space for those unable to secure housing on their own, offering them a sense of security and hope during an uncertain time. The AASW working with UNHCR, offers capacity-building activities for social workers in different communities including Masis and is providing psycho-social support to residents of Masis shelter.
In Darakert village near Masis, the team visited a refugee family of eight who were in need of ongoing support. The family shared their challenges and hopes for a better future, illustrating the importance of targeted support services. The family receiving social worker’s and psychologist’s support were slowly trying to get back on their feet.
EU Humanitarian Aid Director and refugees at the porch of the apartment at social house in Masis ©Anahit Hayrapetyan/UNHCR.
The visit concluded in Artashat town, where the team toured a day-care centre for elderly and people with disabilities, as well as child-friendly space and children’s playground in the yard. These services, managed by Mission Armenia and supported by UNHCR, are aimed to create inclusive spaces for vulnerable refugees, including those with disabilities, women and children and youth, to support and ensure their well-being and improve their quality of life. During interaction with a group of refugee women at MA’s day-care centre, the participants expressed gratitude for the support, acknowledging the positive impact on their lives. However, they emphasized the ongoing challenges they faced and the need for continued support to achieve resilience and self-reliance.
Ms. Alla Harutyunyan, the Deputy President of MA, highlighted, “Continuing support for urban refugees, who often remain invisible, is crucial, as it ensures their integration, dignity, and access to essential services, helping them rebuild their lives and contributing to the broader human rights framework. The NGO Forum of 14 agencies, established with the support of UNHCR and European Union, and led by MA and PIN plays a vital role in coordinating the efforts, sharing resources, and advocating for the needs of displaced populations, ensuring that assistance is timely, effective and inclusive.”
A group photo with refugees, Director ECHO, Mission Armenia and UNHCR at the day-care center in Artashat, Ararat province. ©UNHCR.
As the refugees living in Masis, as in other host communities in Armenia, continue to rebuild their lives, the ongoing collaboration between local authorities, international partners, and the refugees themselves remains critical. With continued support, these families will have the opportunity to forge new futures and contribute to the vibrant community in Masis, were hope and resilience shine brightly.
About UNHCR – European Union partnership
UNHCR and European Union have been working hand in hand in many humanitarian settings to offer support and protection to refugees. In Armenia, their partnership continues to be a lifeline, with both organizations closely collaborating with the government and host communities to ensure that refugees receive the assistance they urgently need. Through their efforts, the most vulnerable refugees are given the protection and care they deserve, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
UNHCR in partnership with European Union Humanitarian Aid (DG ECHO) is implementing protection interventions for refugees in Armenia. Their joint efforts focus on providing critical support services that address the unique needs of refugees, including legal intervention, case management, outreach to persons with specific needs, legal awareness and representation, protection monitoring, case management and psychosocial support. By pooling resources and expertise, UNHCR and European Union strengthen the overall protection framework, support the Government led efforts and helping refugees in Armenia rebuild their lives with a sense of security and hope for the future.
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