YEREVAN. – Armenia National Youth Report indicates 78.5 per cent of respondents would leave Armenia for various purposes if they had a chance, while 36.8 per cent would leave the country permanently.

Youth migration theme was discussed on Monday at the UN House, UNFPA and UNHCR in Armenia.

Over the past few decades, a political, economic, social and demographic change in many parts of the world has stimulated migration of people to cities within and across countries. At the same time along with migration from developed to developing countries, which has been a common phenomenon, there is a growing incidence of migration from one developing country to another. In particular, many young refugee Armenians from Iraq and Syria have moved to Armenia in recent years.

However, there is also a stratum of young, active, and concerned people being formed in Armenia, which includes young local, refugee and Diaspora Armenians. A short film about these young people was prepared by Y-Peer Armenia volunteers and screened during the press conference.

“Even one young refugee is too many, and we need to do everything we can to help them integrate into the society. The role of local young people is essential here. However, active involvement of young refugees will produce much better results,” said UNHCR External Relations Associate Anahit Hayrapetyan.