UNFPA Armenia Country Office Assistant Representative Garik Hayrapetyan worked in Syria from August 3 until October 8. He told Mediamax about his efforts there and meetings with Armenian community.

On the business trip

UNFPA needed a temporary deputy representative in Syria, and I was nominated for that job, as I am a member of UNFPA Rapid Response Team.

I had some misgivings before accepting the offer, but my wish to go to Syria was strong. I thought that if other people can work there, I can too.

Garik Hayrapetyan in Syria

Photo: from Garik Hayrapetyan’s archive

Feeling safe is very relative in Syria. Shells exploded two or three kilometers away from our hotel. We moved around the place outside of the hotel only in an armored car.

The work

In Syria we provided humanitarian aid related to reproductive healthcare and implemented programs aimed against gender-based violence, helped its victims. There was a great need for according assistance for pregnant women and young girls.

We also worked with young people, preparing them to build a more tolerant society. We tried to gather representatives of different ethnicities and religions and start a dialogue to make a base for future peace in the society. People were interested in attending our gatherings, as they realized that the topics we raise are no less important than having bread, water and a roof above their heads.

In recent years, the interest towards reproductive and maternal healthcare grew especially. People begin to understand that prevention of high birth rate becomes a necessity during a long-lasting military conflict.

Photo: from Garik Hayrapetyan’s archive

There are regions in Syria, where UNFPA mobile clinics are the only source of medical aid.

Life saving

We had a visit to the refugees’ camp. We walked around there, asked people what they needed. I noticed suddenly that a young girl curled up into a hole between two houses and was crying loudly. After a long conversation with her we found out that the girl got pregnant, and her boyfriend fled to Turkey. She was hiding from her father, who was searching for her with a knife in his hand to kill her. We transferred that girl to a secure shelter. Thus, we save a person’s life. In Syrian reality, the most unprotected people are young girls.

The illusion of peace

The terrifying, inhuman situation doesn’t expand on entire Syria. For instance, life goes on in Damask - there are opera performances two-three times per week. However, there is a risk that a shell might drop at any place and time.

Armenian community and its stereotypes

You can’t miss the great respect for Armenians in Syria. Armenian people are respected for their hard work. You can see in the markets that 8 jewelers out of 10 are Armenians. Almost 100% of optic services are provided by Armenians.

When speaking with members of the community, I was very surprised to hear that they think it’s dangerous to live in Armenia. There are lots of negative rumors about Armenia. Many Armenians living in Syria don’t really want to come to Armenia, even realizing that the future of their children isn’t secure in Syria.

Sunset in Aleppo

Photo: REUTERS

Some say that it’s not safe in Armenia in terms of business and earning for a living, that they can easily get robber or even murdered in Armenia. I think the state has a lot of work to do to break these stereotypes.

Aleppo

The situation in Eastern Aleppo is very bad; the number of casualties among civilians is very high. The people in that besieged area will do anything to get out.

By different estimates, there are several hundred Armenians in Eastern Aleppo, besieged. It’s quite difficult to organize their evacuation.

What is Syria?

In the course of two months there, I thought, “What is the one word that would describe Syria the best?” I found it - people. Despite the horrible situation, it’s a unique atmosphere in Syria in terms of human relationships, which makes you fall in love with the country.

Taguhi Hovhannisyan talked to Garik Hayrapetyan