Mission Armenia

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Alla Harutyunyan

Organization Overview
Since its inception in 1988, Mission Armenia has evolved from the efforts of a small group of volunteers assisting victims and refugees of the catastrophic earthquake and the Nagorno-Karabakh war into a robust non-governmental organization (NGO). Over the past 30 years, our spontaneous humanitarian activities have transformed into a significant force in the social support sector of Armenia, distinguished by our extensive experience and expertise.
In response to the pressing needs, Mission Armenia has established a comprehensive system for delivering community-based social and healthcare services—pioneering an approach that currently has no parallel in either state or public sectors in Armenia. This innovative system empowers vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, people with disabilities, refugees, temporary asylum holders, individuals in a refugee-like situation, stateless persons, and others, to access a range of services tailored to their personal needs and capacities, directly in their homes and communities.
Today, Mission Armenia oversees approximately 30 service infrastructures that collectively provide a comprehensive array of community-based services to over 20,000 beneficiaries across the Republic of Armenia. By adopting a systematic approach to assist vulnerable groups, the organization not only delivers essential services but also actively participates in improving social policies and fostering partnerships that enhance social welfare.
Our model has garnered recognition not only in Armenia but throughout the Caucasus region. We collaborate closely with the Government of Armenia, local authorities, UNHCR, USAID, the European Union, and various international organizations to fulfill our mission.

Statelessness Initiatives
Mission Armenia has been actively engaged in combating statelessness in Armenia since 2018, focusing on uncovering undocumented individuals and those at risk of statelessness. We provide essential legal services to these individuals and assist them in obtaining citizenship. Our efforts in this area have included collaboration with organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNHCR, and the U.S. Embassy through various relevant projects.
In addition to our direct assistance efforts, Mission Armenia is involved in the development process of the first Draft Law on Stateless Persons in Armenia through our hired expert. We are committed to raising awareness and advocating for the rights of stateless individuals while ensuring that their needs are addressed in national legislation.

Our Core Objectives

-Empower Vulnerable Individuals: Create conditions that enable vulnerable individuals, including children, to live independent, fulfilling lives without isolating them from their communities.
– Address Social and Health Needs: Meet the diverse social and health needs of beneficiaries through an array of community-based services, including health care, food assistance, social support, and household repairs.
– Promote Self-Help Initiatives: Foster self-help groups among the elderly, children, and other vulnerable populations while initiating public awareness and advocacy campaigns.
– Enhance Economic Opportunities: Support vulnerable locals and refugees in overcoming their status as passive recipients of aid, providing avenues for income generation, vocational training, consulting, interest-free microloans, and temporary employment opportunities.
– Advocate for Policy Changes: Lobby for national strategies and legislative reforms to address the root causes of poverty and improve the living conditions of our beneficiaries.
-Prioritize Beneficiary Preferences: Continuously consider the preferences of our beneficiaries regarding service delivery, emphasizing activities that they regard as most impactful and beneficial.
Through these initiatives and collaborations, Mission Armenia remains steadfast in its commitment to foster a more equitable society for all individuals, particularly those marginalized and at risk.