Context:
Conflicts in the South Caucasus have displaced hundreds of thousands of people within the region. Many of them are poor and socially marginalised. Contributing factors include uprooting, poor housing, unfinished education, and limited access to employment and social services. At the same time, many displaced people find it difficult to find a balance between their place of origin and integration.
Objective:
The economic and social participation of vulnerable displaced persons and the local population in the South Caucasus has increased.
Approach:
The project works in the following five fields of activity to achieve its objective:
- It supports state and non-state actors in enhancing their services. This includes preparing a national integration strategy (Armenia), advancing career guidance for students (Azerbaijan) and adjusting bus timetables to meet the needs of women and families (Georgia).
• It promotes income opportunities for vulnerable displaced persons and the local population, for example through training geared to the needs of the target groups.
• It improves economic prospects and the involvement of women in economic life. For example, it expands networks and promotes women in non-traditional occupations.
• The project supports social participation opportunities for the target groups by fostering non-profit initiatives and self-advocacy organisations.
• It contributes to developing dialogue among state and non-state actors, vulnerable displaced persons and the local population. It supports the dialogue process, for example through training on communication, conflict management skills and constructive collaboration.
On a broader level, the project promotes the participation and empowerment of women and young people and integrates people with disabilities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the project supported more than 117,000 people.