On March 6, 32 Artsakh organizations, collectively known as the ‘Initiative for the Provision of needs of the Artsakh People,’ sent an open letter to the Government of the Republic of Armenia regarding the discussed program aimed at meeting the housing needs of Artsakh residents. The letter is open for individuals and organizations to sign, and anyone can join the initiative by visiting the petition page.
In particular, it is stated in the open letter:
“To the Government of the Republic of Armenia, represented by Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan
Dear Mr. Deputy Prime Minister,
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Studying the official statements regarding the main principles of the housing program for people forcibly displaced from Nagorno Karabakh, which is being discussed in the RA Government,
Considering that the Republic of Armenia has, for decades, assumed political, legal, security and socio-economic responsibility towards the people of Artsakh through various domestic acts and official statements, and that the effective control of Armenia over Nagorno Karabakh was recognized by the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights,
Appreciating the humanitarian support provided by the Armenian people and the RA Government to date, despite the ongoing presence of numerous problems and needs,
Taking into account that Armenia is obligated to provide accommodation to individuals with refugee status in accordance with the procedures established by RA legislation until the final resolution of the issue,
Reflecting the concerns and sentiments of the entire people of Artsakh,
The undersigned Artsakh organizations, along with forcibly displaced residents of Artsakh and our supporters, present the following proposals to you:
- Implement the project as much as possible with a primary focus on preserving Artsakh communities;
- Set a project implementation period of 2 years, actively involving international and Diaspora financial resources;
- For the purpose of acquiring residential real estate, allocate a base amount of AMD 5,000,000 (five million) to each forcibly displaced person, which corresponds to the average prices of the secondary market in regional communities;
- Allocate the specified amount to everyone based on the principle of non-returnability, considering the challenging social situation of the people of Artsakh and the very limited employment opportunities;
- Take effective measures to prevent the further growth of housing market prices, including supporting projects for the cheap and fast construction of new housing stock;
- Refuse the RA citizenship requirement imposed on the program beneficiaries, as it contradicts RA legislation and the principles of international humanitarian law;
- Continue the program of financial support, providing 40,000 + 10,000 drams for rent and utility costs without cuts until the family is provided with an apartment;
- For small families (up to 3 members), plan a special approach within the program;
- Allocate a reasonable amount of financial support to each family based on the number of members to facilitate property acquisition;
- Establish priorities and additional benefits for families of the victims and individuals with first-group disability;
- Include in the program systemic solutions to ensure sustainable employment for individuals forcibly displaced from Artsakh and the population of host communities;
- The draft program, as stipulated by RA legislation and legal practice, should undergo extensive public discussion, taking into account the concerns and suggestions of the beneficiaries.
This program should unquestionably contribute to the unity of people forcibly displaced from the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), the preservation of identity and the prevention of emigration. Additionally, it should address certain issues related to the demographic and economic development of the Republic of Armenia. The program should also strategically consider the goal of a potential return to Artsakh, incorporating the necessary conditions and actions to achieve that objective.
In response to various claims and speculations, let us emphasize that we naturally support all state support programs, including those related to housing, for our compatriots in the Republic of Armenia. On the other hand, it is crucial to recognize the need for a special approach to the forcibly displaced people of Artsakh, considering our significant losses and the international and domestic obligations undertaken by the RA towards the Artsakh people and, in general, refugees.
We can present the justifications and other details of these proposals during public discussions. Simultaneously, we are open for meetings and discussions in any format that aim to ensure the inclusiveness, fairness and efficiency of the program.
6 March, 2024
Organizations:
- “Union of Reserve Army Officers of Artsakh” NGO, President: Yuri Karamyan
- “Union of Artsakh Freedom Fighters” NGO, Head of Staff: Eduard Khachatryan
- “Union of Relatives of Soldiers Killed and Missing in the 3rd Artsakh War” NGO, President: Armen Asryan
- “Association of Relatives of NKR Fallen Freedom Fighters” NGO, President: Artur Arstamyan
- “Union of Artsakh War Wounded” NGO, President: Davit Babayan
- “Hayk’s Generation” NGO, President: Armine Petrosyan
- “Union for the Protection of the Interests and Rights of the Artsakh People” NGO, President: Artak Beglaryan
- “Revived Motherland” NGO, President: Taron Hakobyan
- “Union of Artsakh Refugees” NGO, President: Sarasar Saryan
- “Union of Artsakh Writers” NGO, President: Norek Gasparyan
- “Gene Initiatives Center” Foundation, Head: Armine Avagimyan
- “Motherhood” Artsakh women’s and children’s rights protection NGO, President: Hasmik Mikayelyan
- “Justice and Return” NGO, Co-founder: Armen Petrosyan
- “Union of Artsakh Journalists” NGO, President: Kim Gabrielyan
- “Federation of NKR Trade Unions” NGO, President: Mikael Gasparyan
- “Union of the Blind of Artsakh” NGO, President: Albert Mardyan
- “Union of Refugee Women” NGO, President: Ruzanna Avagyan
- “The Power of Mind” NGO, President: Aramayis Aghabekyan
- “Center for Youth Public Research” NGO, President: Hovik Avanesov
- “Lusabats” NGO, President: Sergey Beglaryan
- “Kachar Scientific Center” NGO, President: Mher Harutyunyan
- “Union of Afghanistan War Veterans” NGO, President: Armen Gevorgyan
- “Institute of People’s Diplomacy of Artsakh” NGO, President: Irina Grigoryan
- “Deoccupation of Hadrut” NGO, President: Mary Davtyan
- “Deoccupation of Shushi” NGO, President: Alvina Nersesyan
- “Krunk” NGO for the protection of the rights of Artsakh Armenians, President: Mariam Avagyan
- “Youth for Justice” NGO, President: Snezhana Tamrazyan
- “Yelaran” Children’s Development, Training and Socialization Center” NGO, President: Hasmik Yesayan
- “Our Home- Artsakh” NGO, President: Anahit Tovmasyan
- “Center for the Preservation of Artsakh Culture” NGO, President: Apres Margaryan
- “Union of Artsakh Psychologists” Professional NGO, President: Vitya Yaramishyan
- “Union of the Deaf of the Republic of Artsakh” NGO, President: Bella Grigoryan
