How the ICRC helps sustain life in Armenia’s borderlands: A day with Harutyun Harutyunyan

By midday, Harutyun reaches Nerkin Hand, a remote village in Kapan municipality that was severely affected by the 2020 and 2022 conflict escalations, crippling the local economy and living conditions. In 2024, the ICRC launched an initiative to help villagers restore livelihoods and recover from the financial impact of the conflict. We provided 25 families with grants to buy agricultural equipment, livestock or other income-generating resources. Additionally, five families, mostly single women and elderly people, were provided with unconditional financial aid as they couldn’t participate in the programme independently. 

Villagers welcome Harutyun and proudly share how their living conditions have improved. Of the 25 villagers who were part of the project, 22 have successfully implemented their plans, developing their farms and securing a sustainable income. “While three families faced challenges, the overall results have been encouraging,” says Harutyun. He hands out certificates, officially transferring ownership of the acquired assets to the families and encouraging them to move forward independently. 

One of the villagers, a beekeeper, used his grant to buy ten new hives and equipment. He takes Harutyun to his apiary, abuzz with the sound of active bees. After a successful winter, the beekeeper has expanded to 30 hives and now sells honey in Kapan city.