2012-2013

The project was implemented in 2012-2013 with the support of the Kingdom of Belgium. The overall goal of the action was to prevent irregular migration of Armenians to the Kingdom of Belgium and other EU countries, specifically through (a) raising awareness about irregular migration and exposing its consequences to Armenian potential migrants and general public; (b) encouraging involvement of media in expert discussions in order to enrich their knowledge on current social and policy discourse and developments on migration; and promoting evidence-based coverage of migration issues, and (c) providing a hotline access to information related to migration for potential Armenian migrants.

The project benefited Armenian potential migrants, asylum seekers and their families, and at the same time targeted governmental and non-governmental institutions, and media. Its implementation built on introduction of a number of innovative approaches and instruments, as well as on the implementation of best practices and viable models, recommended by ICHD, the State Migration Service of the MTA of RA, and the Belgian Immigration Office.

In order to successfully carry out project activities, ICHD established a Project Steering Committee, including representatives of the State Migration Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RA, EC Delegation to Armenia, the Immigration Service of the Federal Public Service of the Ministry of the Interior of Belgium and leading media institutions and associations,. The goal of the Committee was to ensure wider participation of key actors in project implementation, effective monitoring and oversight, as well as timely revisions of the project activities.

The project achieved its three specific objectives mentioned above through the sequence of interlinked activities, including a media campaign, expert and stakeholder discussions, and individual counselling.

The project outputs particularly include over 16 000 potential Armenians migrants and their families who have become more aware of the perils of illegal migration through relevant information booklets, leaflets and public social advertisement. The later specifically included several posters highlighting the costs and consequences of irregular migration. Within the media campaign three talk-shows and three radio programmes were produced and broadcast on public stations, covering all the territory of Armenia. Three awards were granted to authors of media products for excellency in coverage of migration issues. Most importantly, a hotline was established and operated throughout the entire duration of the project and it has served 348 citizens. Finally, to enhance evidence-based media coverage of migration issues, at least 100 media representatives were invited to three round table discussions on migration issues, attended also by state agencies and NGOs.