STEP FOR INVOLVING INTO SOCIETY

[MosJan]

STEP FOR INVOLVING INTO SOCIETY

Our compatriots who escaped Azerbaijan in 1988-92 still have many unsolved problems. Not being able to earn their daily bread many of them emigrated from Armenia and those who remained in the republic live in worse social-economic conditions then the locals.

 

 

For many refugees the most important issue is not solved yet- the issue of residence. Nevertheless, though very slow, the integration of the refugees into our society continues. Up till now about 42,000 refugees applied to migration and refugees department close to Armenian government for getting Armenian citizenship, 7400 out of which by August 1999, and 34576 from August 1999 up today.

 

 

The sharp growth of number of those who want to receive Armenian citizenship the head of migration and refugees department close to Armenian government Arayik Haroutiunian grounded by several causes, the main one of which is the law on ‘legal and social-economic guarantees of persons who escaped Azerbaijan from 1988 to 1992 and received Armenian citizenship’ adopted by Armenian parliament recently. The law says that the refugees who live in state budget institutions’ hostels for more than three years and have Armenian citizenship can privatize the territory they occupy. Besides, according to the law, the refugees who receive Armenian citizenship can continue using the social privileges of a refugee and those who don’t have an apartment stay in the apartment queue.

 

 

In order refugees are aware of the new law the employees of the department carry out explanatory works with them- booklets are handed around and video-clips are broadcast by TV channels.

 

 

By the way the refugees don’t pay any money for receiving Armenian citizen’s passport. The expanses are taken care of by the Yerevan office of UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees.

 

 

By Marlena Hovsepian

AZG