Goris, a town with a population of 20,000, is located in the picturesque high mountains of southern Armenia. It is situated 25 kilometers from the border with Azerbaijan, near the Lachin corridor.
In the last week of September, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled the Karabakh region and arrived in Goris, Armenia. This has led to an urgent need for humanitarian action by UN agencies and relief partners, in coordination with the government.
Tented halls, mobile kitchens, portable toilets, clothing banks, water stations, clinics, play areas, and a registration point were quickly set up to prevent a catastrophe.
By the first Monday of October, Goris had returned to its peaceful state. Temporary accommodation was found for everyone, with 40,000 people settled in hotels and community facilities provided by the government, while others were taken in by family, friends, and volunteers organized through social media campaigns.
People fleeing Karabakh rest and receive humanitarian aid in Goris, Armenia, close to the border.
Problem solved?
In fact, no. Armenia now faces the massive challenge of integrating these new arrivals. “They will need homes, schools, hospitals, jobs – all the things that we take for granted,” said Manfred Profazi, IOM regional director.
Mr. Profazi made these remarks after visiting Armenia for three days, during which he saw the first of several mobile health clinics that IOM is opening across the country to address the physical and mental health needs of the new arrivals.
“These are not people who have had an easy and comfortable journey,” emphasized Mr. Profazi. “These are people who have experienced active and frozen conflict for 30 years, losing their homes, family memories, and communities. They are traumatized and exhausted, with children and the elderly being particularly affected. We are rapidly expanding our assistance to them, especially as winter is approaching.”
An IOM doctor examines a patient at the newly established mobile health clinic in Goris, Armenia.
Each of the IOM mobile clinics has a psychiatrist working alongside general practitioners (GPs). While the GPs provide primary healthcare, diagnosis, and referral, the psychologists are there to identify and assist in reversing the effects of trauma suffered by many individuals.
They will also help people make sense of their current situation and guide them towards a future free from overwhelming stress.
Psychological therapy
Nune Asatryan, project coordinator at IOM Armenia, explained that the mobile health clinics will play an important role in providing healthcare services to vulnerable populations, particularly those in remote, rural communities.
Some 100,000 people have departed from the Karabakh region leaving behind property and other possessions.
“The psychologists working in the mobile teams will support refugees affected by multiple losses, who are grieving for people, places, and the life they left behind. Psychological therapy can improve their overall psychological well-being, helping them effectively cope with personal challenges, and reducing their distress and suffering,” Ms. Asatryan said.
Interagency response
IOM is part of the interagency group currently developing the overall response plan, led by the Armenian Government.
“We will be involved in several sectors,” stated Ilona Ter Minasyan, IOM Head of Office in Armenia. “In addition to the vital work of the mobile clinics, we also anticipate a role for IOM in shelter, early recovery, and protection. Many women will be vulnerable to trafficking for sexual or other purposes, as well as gender-based violence. Globally, we have significant expertise in sensitizing populations, which will be crucial in this context,” Ms. Minasyan explained.
IOM’s support is intended to be long-lasting, providing durable solutions alongside humanitarian assistance. Ultimately, it is about providing help where and when it is needed, like for individuals such as Gayane, who had not seen a doctor since giving birth to her second daughter six years ago. After visiting the clinic, Gayane discovered she had high blood pressure and needed medication and regular follow-up.
Thousands more individuals like Gayane will receive assistance in the coming months, with IOM offering various forms of support right where and when it is needed.