The International Republican Institute (IRI) and Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC), with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), have initiated a series of discussions to evaluate state support programs for forcibly displaced Armenians from Artsakh. These discussions aim to identify gaps in social support, economic development, housing provision, employment, and education programs, as well as issues related to citizenship and refugee status. Recommendations have been presented to make changes in state support programs and future initiatives.

Participants of the event also shared their assessments of the state structures with which the displaced persons interact to meet their needs (Unified Social Service, Passport Departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, local self-government bodies, etc.).

The discussions involve the heads of Artsakh communities, administrators, and their staff. On the one hand, they are beneficiaries of the mentioned programs, and on the other hand, the displaced people often turn to them for help. Therefore, the heads of Artsakh communities are well-informed about both the positive aspects and the shortcomings of the support programs, making their opinions crucial in the design and implementation of these programs. The first meeting in this series of discussions took place on September 7. Three more discussions are planned, after which recommendations by sector will be summarized and presented to the government.