Voices of resilience: Refugee testimonials
UNICEF has talked to children and their families about the hardships they lived through, the challenges they are facing now and the hopes they have for the future.
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In late September, more than 100,000 people fled to Armenia following an escalation of hostilities in their home communities. Children make up over one third of these refugees who are now trying to rebuild their lives in Armenia.
UNICEF has talked to children and their families about the hardships they lived through, the challenges they are facing now and the hopes they have for the future.
“For all children peace and safety is a priority. They only need to have a peaceful childhood and a corner where they can sleep calmly.”
“In general, the education level of children has dropped a lot, because of the gaps. I don’t think they will make it with just my explanation. They will need catch up classes.”
“It’s been hard times, so I don’t want others to see what we have seen, especially the newborns.
“My husband took few clothes; I didn't take anything. Only meat grinder that I just bought, nothing else, I left the TV, the computer and everything else at home.”
“Psychological support is very much needed, how to talk to children, how to communicate with them, and how to support them to overcome the stress they are going through.”
“After all I have been through, I am probably a very strong woman,” says Melanya who lost her first husband to the escalation of conflict in 2020. In September 2023, Melanya lost her second husband to the tragic explosion at a fuel storage just before fleeing to Armenia.
The scale and complexity of the humanitarian situation for refugee children and their families in Armenia remains acute. Children and families require humanitarian assistance and protection to meet their most urgent needs.
UNICEF has been among the first responders from the onset in coordination with the Government of Armenia and partners. We are supporting in key directions for children, including child protection, mental health and psychosocial wellbeing, health and nutrition, education, emergency cash assistance and social protection.
Today, we need your support to be able to reach more children and their families with necessary assistance. Please consider donating to UNICEF and join us by sharing these stories.
