ICVA appeals for aid to Armenia (01/03/93)

ICVA appeals for aid to Armenia

WASHINGTON - In response to a request by the Armenian Assembly of America, the Geneva-based International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) has urged its member agencies world-wide to respond "with urgency and haste" to provide emergency relief to address the winter crisis in Armenia.

The Assembly requested ICVA to contact its other member agencies to seek their cooperation in responding to the Republic of Armenia's (ROA) December 7 appeal for humanitarian aid. Also in response to the Assembly's request, ICVA formed the Task Force on Humanitarian Affairs in Armenia, which will provide a framework for solicitation of relief supplies to the Armenian people who are struggling to survive this winter. The Task Force chair is the World Alliance of YMCAs.

In the emergency appeal to its member agencies ICVA recommended that the international community "take steps to ensure that the victims of conflicts, at a minimum, have access to humanitarian protection and assistance." ICVA's members include 85 international private voluntary agencies and non-governmental organizations. The Armenian Assembly is the only Armenian-American organization that belongs to ICVA.

"We are very pleased that ICVA has responded to our appeal to get its members involved in assisting the people of Armenia," said Humanitarian Affairs Director Linda Bedeian. "Engaging the European PVO and NGO community should prove an enormous help to the Assembly in getting the word out internationally about the life-threatening conditions many Armenians are facing this winter. Hopefully they will be able to mobilize assistance for Armenia from their home governments and relief agencies."

The serious situation in Armenia is a consequence of the immense unresolved humanitarian problems arising from the earthquake of 1988, the arrival of 300,000 refugees, and the blockade of landlocked Armenia by its neighboring states.

Conditions in Armenia were described in the appeal as having "deteriorated to such a degree that it is feared that as many as 30,000 people in the high risk groups of refugees, earthquake victims, the elderly and the young (under age five) may die during the coming winter months." Due to the blockade of energy supplies, electricity is being rationed, public transportation has come to a standstill, and most schools and many hospitals have been closed due to a lack of heat in the subzero climate.

The government has been forced to ration bread at 250 grams per day, but the availability of bread depends on the arrival of grain to the country, which is being adversely affected by the blockade. Armenia is also experiencing a severe shortage of medical supplies, medicines, and vaccines. The health of an estimated 10,000 children is at risk due to deteriorating health conditions and the danger of epidemics of tuberculosis, polio and whooping cough.

At present, fuel, food and other fundamental humanitarian supplies are not reaching Armenia in sufficient quantities. Shipments of humanitarian aid to Armenia, are delayed due to logistical difficulties. In some cases, the volume of aid sent to Armenia is being reduced as significant amounts, up to 50 percent, are being misappropriated in states through which the aid must be shipped.

"Armenia requires the international community's assistance to secure access to sufficient fuel, food, shelter, health and medical supplies so that it can provide up to 750,000 of its population with the basic minimum, which will allow it to survive the winter season," said Assembly Executive Director Ross Vartian. "The Armenian Assembly will continue its work with ICVA and also with InterAction, its North American counterpart, to see that the people of Armenia receive the assistance they so desperately need."

The Armenian Assembly to America is a national non-profit organization which promotes public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues.

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