In Limbo

Transitions online reports on the plight of the "240,000" refugees in Armenia. 21% of these people have been naturalised as Armenian citizens, which at first looks like a success. "That, says the UNHCR, is one of the highest rates of voluntary naturalization anywhere in the world in recent decades"

However, those without Armenian citizenship face a problem; they only have old Soviet passports which do not allow them to travel abroad, and get certain other benefits.

The article provides examples of why some refugees want Armenian citizenship, and others don't.

In a refugee hostel in Yerevan dormitories, Asya and Robert Mkhitarov, from Baku, live off a combined monthly pension of about $30. After paying electricity, water, and telephone bills, they are left with only $15 to last the month. They, too, rely on handouts. "I was brought up to be proud of my Armenian heritage,"Asya says. "And even if I had only a roof over my head, I would never think of leaving Armenia. This is my country." She now has a passport to prove it.

For other elderly refugees from Azerbaijan living, like Grigorova, on or below the breadline, the extremely remote hope of compensation from Azerbaijan is more important than an Armenian passport and taking over ownership (and maintenance and problems) of run-down rooms in boarding lodges. If they became Armenian citizens, they would have to give up all claims to compensation.

Of course Armenian citizenship will also subject young men to being drafted into the military. This perhaps explains why such a large amount of these people remain effectively stateless.

Posted by Matt on January 05, 2005 | TrackBack | Email to a friend