Armenia Prolongs Financial Assistance for Families of Missing Soldiers from Nagorno-Karabakh War
- Key Takeaways:
- Armenian government extends 300,000 AMD monthly aid for families of 22 missing soldiers.
- Support program prolonged for February and March 2025, totaling 13.2 million AMD.
- Extension addresses ongoing needs of families awaiting information on missing loved ones.
- Decision made during government session on March 13, 2025, highlighting continued state commitment.
- Funding sourced from reallocation of funds within Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs budget.
YEREVAN – In a move demonstrating continued commitment to social welfare, the Armenian government has decided to extend the financial assistance program for families of servicemen still listed as missing in action following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. During its session on March 13, 2025, the government approved a two-month prolongation of the 300,000 AMD monthly support initiative.
Government Extends Support Program Through March 2025
Originally slated to conclude in January 2025, the support program will now continue for February and March, providing crucial financial relief to families grappling with the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the fate of their loved ones. This extension ensures that eligible families will receive the 300,000 AMD monthly stipend for an additional two months, alleviating some of the economic pressures they face.
Financial Details of Extended Support
The decision directly impacts families of 22 servicemen who remain unaccounted for since the 44-Day War. The total financial allocation for this two-month extension amounts to 13,200,000 AMD. This sum will be drawn from a reallocation of existing funds within the budget of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, ensuring the swift implementation of the extended assistance without requiring additional budgetary allocations.
Beneficiary Families and Lingering Uncertainty
This governmental measure specifically targets families who continue to endure immense emotional and practical challenges due to the unresolved status of their family members. These 22 servicemen are still officially listed as missing in action, leaving their families in a state of prolonged ambiguity and hardship. The extended financial support aims to provide a measure of stability as these families navigate the complex legal and social consequences of their situation.
State’s Commitment to Social Responsibility
The extension of this financial aid program underscores the Armenian government’s ongoing commitment to its social responsibilities, particularly towards those families most affected by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. By reallocating state budget funds, the government signals its intention to prioritize the welfare of these families and offer tangible support as they continue to seek answers and closure regarding their missing relatives. This decision reflects a broader governmental approach to address the long-term social and humanitarian repercussions of the war.
Broader Context of Social Support
This targeted financial assistance is part of a wider framework of social support mechanisms implemented by the Armenian government to address the multifaceted needs arising from the 44-Day War. While this specific program focuses on the families of missing servicemen, other initiatives encompass support for wounded veterans, families of fallen soldiers, and displaced persons. The extension of this particular aid package highlights the government’s adaptive approach to social policy, adjusting programs to meet the evolving needs of its citizenry in the aftermath of conflict.