On June 22-23, “Creating Together” two-day open-air Charity Fair dedicated to the World Refugee Day took place on Northern Avenue of Yerevan. The Charity Fair was organised in the framework of the European Union funded “Recognise. Protect. Realise.” project jointly implemented by the Armenian Caritas, Caritas Austria and Caritas Lebanon. The Charity Fair was supported by the Yerevan Municipality. Around 50 Syrian-Armenian and local self-employed persons and social enterprises participated in the Fair and showcased their handicrafts and jewelry.

“The aim of the Fair is to promote economic integration of Syrian Armenians and local population as well as facilitate mutual socio-cultural integration,” noted Lusine Stepanyan, Project Manager.

The opening ceremony of the Fair was attended by the representative of the EU delegation to Armenia Line Urban, who welcomed the participants of the Fair and wished them success. She noted that since 2014 the EU had been implementing 3 assistance projects for Syrian Armenians in Armenia, among them the “Recognise. Protect. Realise.” project, which particularly promotes economic integration of Syrian Armenians, and which, in the words of Line Urban, is a very important factor.

On the first day of the Fair, the representatives of the Armenian Relief Society organised a balloon design master class for children and on the second day – an embroidery master class for women.

The “Handbook on Integration of Syrian Armenians in Armenia”, having been developed in the framework of “Recognise. Protect. Realise.” project, was presented during the Fair. Although, the Handbook targets Syrian Armenians, nevertheless, it can also be useful for any person who have moved and settled in Armenia, as it encompasses almost all spheres of life activities from the moment of entry into the country to receiving education and being engaged in business.

“Recognise. Protect. Realise.”  Project (2017-2019) is implemented with financial support from the European Union. The overall goal of the project is to contribute to the defence of migrants, asylum seekers, refugees and persons in refugee like situation in Armenia and Lebanon by defending, respecting and promoting human rights. The action is coordinated by Caritas Austria and executed by its partners, Caritas Lebanon and Armenian Caritas.