Mainstreaming Human Security Approach in Policy-making to Support the Recovery of Syunik Region Affected by Complex Challenges

Armenia has experienced notable transformations since 2018, marked by a thorough political reform agenda based on good governance, inclusive economic development, and the promotion of human rights. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 not only hindered Armenia’s economic growth it also deepened existing inequalities and accelerated new vulnerabilities. In the same year, hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh region reemerged and led to the displacement of approximately 80,000 people into the bordering communities of the Syunik Region. Together with the socio-economic consequences of the pandemic, these challenges compounded insecurities in the region, decreasing livelihood opportunities, weakening food security, and contributing to rising crime rates. To prevent a vicious cycle of worsening human insecurity, it is vital to strengthen the region’s risk-informed and resilient development, while also establishing inclusive public institutions that address the needs and vulnerabilities of all.

The programme aims to support the development of inclusive and risk-informed policymaking in the Syunik region through the application of the human security approach. To this end, the specific objectives of the programme are to: (i) mainstream the human security framework in the development plans of the Syunik Regional Government and the Sisian, Goris, Kapan, and Meghri communities; (ii) strengthen participatory public institutions, involving government officials, NGOs, private sector, and the local populations; and (iii) enhance economic security through the development of income-generating activities and the improvement of existing regional livelihood support schemes.

KEY MATERIALS 
Programme Summary
Guidance Note, “Community development planning guided by human security approach”
Report, “Supporting regional and social dialogue to enhance economic and green jobs – just transition aspects of human security in the Syunik region (Armenia)”
Report, “Study on Best International Practices and added value from the application of the Human Security”
“Legal analysis and recommendations for the community development planning methodology in the contextual human security approach”
“Legal analysis and recommendations for law on local self government in the contextual human security approach”