Christoph Bierwirth: for the recent years Armenia received a big  number of refugees from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, as well as from  countries of Africa 

ArmInfo. "For the recent several years Armenia received a big number of refugees from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, as well as from the countries of Africa. Only from Syria 22.000 refugees came to Armenia, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Christoph Bierwirth stated during the press conference. 

He stressed that previous year, about 300 families from Syria moved to Armenia and about 100 families this year. "Of course, after the liberation of Aleppo the number of refugees decreased, but now it is still dangerous there. Of the 22,000 refugees, according to the Ministry of Diaspora, 17,000 remained in Armenia, and according to UN 15,000. Many families moved to the US, Canada and the Persian Gulf countries. However, the majority remained in Armenia, "Bierwirth said, adding that about 10-15 families returned to Aleppo. Among those who returned, there are doctors who felt that their help is now more necessary in Syria.

He also informed that after last year's April war at conflict  zone of  Karabakh , 2000 people moved from Artsakh to Armenia. As he said, because Armenians, due to historical circumstances, were forced to migrate often, refugees in Armenia are very well received, not only by the Government, but also by the society.

"Many students received an opportunity to finish education, many refugees found jobs. Syrian Armenians changes the atmosphere in Yerevan in many directions", the expert stressed. Bierwirth also stated that Armenian Government helps the refugees as much as it is possible, now very profitable loans are given to them for small and average business. 

However he noted that receiving refuges to Armenia, the issue of housing is very actual , and many refugees leave the Republic.

Among the problems, the expert also pointed to the strictness of the laws of the country in case of illegal crossing the state border. According to him, Armenian legislation in such cases provides for a very heavy punishment. As an example, he cited the case of three Afghans who were sentenced to 3 years in prison for illegally crossing the Armenian border. "No European country has such a severe punishment for illegal border crossing, which is a violation of the rights of refugees, but we hope that the Armenian Government will take into account international experience and change the form of punishment," he concluded.

To note, June 20 is international refugee day. Last year, 65 million refugees addressed the UN. In 2016, the number of refugees has increased strictly. Most of the refugees were from Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Sudan. The largest number of refugees were taken by Turkey, Pakistan, Lebanon and Iran. Every second refugee is a child. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the work of UN Refugee Agency in Armenia. The department provides humanitarian, legal, medical assistance, improves the conditions of shelters, and also helps people with integration into a new society.