Armenia: Nsrc Investment Program Tranche 3: Talin-Gyumri Road

Home , Aparan, Armenicum, Artik, Ashotsk, Azatan, Dzorakap

Due Diligence Report

Document Stage: Final Project Number: 42145 August 2012

North-South Road Corridor Investment Program—Proposed Tranche 3 (TALIN-GYUMRI ROAD) Due Diligence Report on HIV/AIDS, Trafficking, and Gender

Prepared by Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) for the Asian Development Bank

This due diligence report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

ARMENIA: NSRC INVESTMENT PROGRAM TRANCHE 3: TALIN-GYUMRI ROAD

Due Diligence Report

HIV/AIDS, Trafficking and Gender

Armenia: North-South Road Corridor Investment Program Tranche 3: Talin-Gyumri Road

October 2011

ARMENIA: NSRC INVESTMENT PROGRAM TRANCHE 3: TALIN-GYUMRI ROAD

TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 3 I. INTRODUCTION ...... 6 II. METHODOLOGY ...... 6 III. FINDINGS...... 8 A. ARMENIA BRIEF PROFILE...... 8 1. General...... 8 2. Project location ...... 9 3. Socio-political, Socio-Economic Status...... 10 4. Village Profiles ...... 10 B. HIV/AIDS SITUATION...... 11 1. General Situation ...... 11 2. Knowledge ...... 13 3. Practice...... 13 4. Gender aspect...... 14 5. Geographical aspect...... 14 6. Risk factors and limitations for HIV prevention...... 14 7. Laws and Policies related to HIV/AIDS, National Responses to Combat AIDS . 15 8. Organizational Structure of Government...... 16 9. Role of NGOs in the country ...... 17 10. Project Area & Community Perceptions on HIV/AIDS Related Issues...... 18 C. HUMAN TRAFFICKING SITUATION...... 30 1. General situation ...... 22 2. National Responses to Trafficking and Migration...... 24 3. International Commitments ...... 25 4. Role of NGOs ...... 26 5. Project Area & Community Perceptions on Trafficking ...... 26 6. Vulnerability ...... 28 7. Impact of trafficking ...... 28 8. Where to receive support by VOTs ...... 29 9. Impact of road on trafficking ...... 29 D. GENDER SITUATION ...... 30 1. General Situation ...... 30 2. Migration and Trafficking...... 33 3. Gender Perceptions ...... 34 4. Health and Family Planning...... 35 5. Role of Government in Gender...... 35 6. International Commitments by Govt...... 37 7. Role of NGOs in Gender...... 37 8. Impact of Project on Gender...... 37 IV. PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS ...... 39 V. MONITORING AND EVALUATION ...... 40

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ABBREVIATIONS ADB Asian Development Bank AH Affected Households AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome AP Affected Person APEC Armenian Public Health CCM Country Coordinating Commission CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Woman CSW Commercial Sex Worker DI Depth Interview EVYP Especially Vulnerable Young People FGD Focus Group Discussion GDP Gross Domestic Product GF Global Fund GFATM Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria GoA Government of Armenia HH Household Head HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus IAC Inter-Agency commission IDUs Intravenous Drug Users ILCS Integrated Living Conditions Survey IOM International Organization for Migration LSGBs Local Self-Governing Bodies M&E Monitoring & Evaluation MARA Most At Risk Adolescents MDG Millennium Development Goals MOTC Ministry of Transport and Communications MSM Men Sex Men NCAP National Centre for AIDS Prevention NGO Non Government Organization NSS National Statistical Service OSCE Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe PLHA People Living with HIV & AIDS PLHIV People Living with HIV PRA Participatory Rapid Appraisal RA Republic of Armenia TB Tuberculosis TIP Trafficking in Persons U.A.E. United Arab Emirates UMCOR The United Methodist Committee on Relief USER/ SERU Unit on Safeguard, Enviroment and Ressetlement UN United Nation UNDP United Nation Development Program UNFPA United Nations Population Fund UNGASS United Nations General Assembly Special Session VCT Voluntary Counseling and Testing VoTs Victims of Trafficking

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The overall objective of the HIV/AIDS, Trafficking Prevention and Awareness, and Gender Development Program is to support the Government policy to reduce vulnerability of communities in the project area. This report is a plan for HIV/AIDS and Trafficking Prevention and Gender Development for Tranche 3 which includes awareness raising for Contractors and construction workers for civil works.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia transited to a market economy, and changed its political system from socialistic to democratic. This transition was not simple; a resultant was transformation of all state social institutions and social security systems, disruption of trade and production, changes in living standards and a rise in poverty levels.

HIV/AIDS: Armenia is a low prevalence country and till 2010, males constituted a major part in the total number of HIV cases. Nearly 1/3 rd of the HIV-infected individuals belonged to the age group of 25-39 years. It is estimated that about 2300 persons are possibly living with HIV in the country today. More than 34% of all the HIV registered cases have been diagnosed in the last two years. The main mode of HIV transmission changed from injecting drug-use in 2005 to heterosexual transmission in 2006. The maximum number of HIV cases was registered in Yerevan, followed by Shirak and Lori marzes.

The most active governmental structure coordinating and implementing HIV/AIDS prevention activities is the National Centre for AIDS Prevention (NCAP) of the Ministry of Health. UNAIDS is closely involved in the sector and collaborates with the governmental entities; e.g. currently they are supporting development National AIDS Strategy 2012-2016.

The knowledge on HIV prevention shows that the most aware are the MSM groups and the most vulnerable and unaware are the youth. Men are not disposed to the use of condoms and the usage of condoms is a cultural issue of stereotyping its use with lack of trust, reduction in pleasure, etc. It is further aided by high cost of condoms and lack of availability. The problem is acute in rural communities. Being in a male dominated society, women cannot make a decision concerning sexual choices and thus are more vulnerable.

Knowledge of HIV/AIDS is common. Most are familiar with the Russian name. Awareness of HIV transmission from mother to child remains low and knowledge of “window period” even lower. Other myths and misconceptions are prevalent, for example where people mentioned that “touching clothes of an infected patient could be dangerous”.

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Trafficking: In almost all available documents on trafficking, Armenia is considered to be mainly a country of origin for the United Arab Emirates and Turkey for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation. Armenians are trafficked to Russia for the purpose of forced labor. There appear to be two main trafficking routes – overland through to Georgia and then to Turkey or directly/through Moscow to the UAE.

Trafficking in Armenia is not well researched; however, based on available data, sexual exploitation is the most common motive, with forced labor in second place. The information on the issue is the data collected by NGOs that assist the victims. The majority of victims are literate. A larger majority are divorced /single, and a majority come from small cities and rural areas.

Since 2002, the Armenian Government established an advisory council and a legislative framework criminalizing trafficking. The law enforcement agencies and other professionals began identifying victims of trafficking. The new Criminal Code in Armenia came into force in 2003, where for the first time trafficking was defined as a separate crime.

In the project area, trafficking was mainly perceived as slavery and prostitution. Women were considered vulnerable since “they can be easily cheated”. Return of a trafficked person into the community life, specifically a woman, was felt to be difficult as the person would never be accepted back since such a woman would be considered a prostitute and would certainly be ‘looked down upon’ .

Gender: The Soviet period had a significant influence on the position of women which sought to emancipate women in many ways. The age old gender stereotype is now creeping back into the society after the Soviet collapse. According to article 14.1 of the constitution of the Republic of Armenia, men and women share equal family and property rights. During privatization of land in 1991/92, the ownership was awarded to the head of the family, regardless of gender. But women reported that in reality the male members - father, brother or husband manage the property legally owned by the wife.

Women constitute more than 52% of the population with female-headed households constituting about 27%. On an average, women earn 30% less than men, even though they are highly educated. High labor migration has contributed to increase in female-headed households rendering them vulnerable to poverty, exploitation and abuse.

NGOs revealed that in the Armenian society, violence against women is common - 25% women were subjected to psychological violence/abuse, 8.9% of women were subjected to physical violence and 3.3% of women were subjected to sexual violence.

Abortion is legal in Armenia and traditionally, abortion has been used as a method of birth control resulting in a high number of maternal deaths. The NGO representatives mentioned the lack of contraceptive availability in Armenia and high costs.

The Department of Family, Women’s and Children issues developed the First National Action Plan for the Improvement of Women’s Status and Enhancement of Their Role in the Society for 1998-2000. The Council on Women’s Affairs, however, was instrumental in the development of the current National Action Plan for 2004 - 2010. In February 2010, the Prime Minister approved the Gender Policy Concept Paper.

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Several NGOs are actively involved in HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation, trafficking prevention and gender development, but are operating mainly in Yerevan and the two bigger cities Gyumri and Vanadzor. Their limitations are minimal funds and low state commitment and cooperation.

The potential impact of the road project on temporary roadside fruit and vegetable vendors, who are predominantly female, is also identified and mitigation measures proposed.

Proposed Activities: Analysis of the situation showed, that there is no strong connection between the road widening and increasing of HIV/AIDS and Trafficing risks for the roadside communities. The construction workers are the only highly risky group for HIV/AIDS.

The Contractor implementing the road works will organise and implement an awareness program for construction workers and their possible sex-partners during construction implementation works.

Activities to be undertaken during the construction phase can consist of, but may not be limited to - (i) conducting awareness workshops for construction workers on HIV/AIDS; (ii) social marketing of condoms through promotion and distribution to construction workers; (iii) encouraging construction workers and their possible sex-partners to attend voluntary counselling and testing centres (VCTC) and ensuring access to relevant support services.

These activities are expected to commence with the pre-construction phase and implementation will be monitored by the Safeguards, Resettlement and Environment Unit (SREU) based on the pre-approved monthly plans.

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I. INTRODUCTION

The Ministry of Transport and Communication in the Republic of Armenia is in the process of up-grading the existing road between Talin and Gyumri. The Tranche 3 project road is located in the North-West of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia at an altitude between 1,400 and 1,800m above mean sea level. Tranche 3 comprises the upgrading to Four-lane Dual Carriageway of the M1 between Talin and Gyumri, Km 71+500 to Km 116+700, which is part of the North-South Road Corridor. The total length of the project road is 45.20km which comprises reconstruction of the existing two-lane road and construction of a second carriageway alongside. There will be a total of 11 new grade-separated interchanges, ten of which are overpasses and one an underpass. In addition to the interchanges a total of 12 t-junctions will be constructed to provide connection to local roads/communities. Other reinforced concrete structures comprise 4 agricultural overpasses for machinery, pedestrians and animals; 9 agricultural underpasses for machinery and 7 for animals and pedestrians; 3 river bridges and one road over rail-bridge and a total of 96 culverts for surface water and irrigation systems. The construction period is estimated to be 36 months.

II. METHODOLOGY

For desk research, secondary documents and Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials were collected and studied. Relevant web sites were scanned. [Appendix 1: List of Documents and Web Sites Consulted]

For primary survey, qualitative methods were mainly used – focus group discussions (FGD), depth interviews (DI) with men and woman, key persons from communities were conducted. Guidelines and questionnaires were prepared for conducting discussions. [Appendix 2: Discussion Guides and Questionnaire]

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Figure 1: Methodology – Process

Preparation, Field Testing & Data and information Analysis of primary Modification of instruments for collection and secondary data information and data collection and report writing

Conducting • Desk research Writing Based on • • Situation analysis • Field level interviews & Past experience discussions with for T 3 on • Good practices - Communities HIV/AIDS, human • Local inputs - Opinion leaders trafficking and • ADB/WB/ INGO/NGO - Key informants gender issues publications - NGOs/INGOs • Developing an - Govt. departments implementation plan ADB = Asian Development Bank, INGO = international non-government organization, NGO = non-government organization, WB = World Bank

Empirical data of 2 qualitative researches was used in this report. From a social and cultural point of view communities of T2 and T3 are very similar, and the only difference is the existence of urban community in Gyumri, the second city in Armenia after Yerevan (the capital). So the information on rural communities was collected during the qualitative research in the T2 communities, and the information on the urban communities was collected in Gyumri. In total four FGDs were conducted in urban comunities, two each with men and women, amongst adolescents (14-16 years) and adults in the reproductive age group (20-45 years).

Other people who were interviewed were from Government and non-Government organizations as provided in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Govt. and Non Govt. Organizations Met

Names Nos. Real World Real People NGO 2 Woman Resource Centre NGO 2 PINK NGO 1 National Center for AIDS Prevention SNCO 1 UMCOR 1 UNDP 1 Hope and Help NGO 1 Democracy Today 1 National Center for AIDS prevention 1 World Vision Armenia 1 Ajakic NGO, Gyumri 2 Nor Serund (New Generation), NGO 1 Total 15

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III. FINDINGS

A. ARMENIA BRIEF PROFILE

1. General

Republic of Armenia is a country located in the Caucasus. The territory is 29.74 thousand square kilometres. Neighbouring countries in the North are Georgia; in the East: Azerbaijan; in the South: Iran; in the South-West: Nakhijevan (Azerbaijan); in the West: Turkey. Yerevan is the capital of Republic of Armenia. The administrative division of the country consists of 11 Marzes (provinces) including the capital city of Yerevan that has the status of a marz. The others are - Shirak, Lori, Ararat, Armavir, Gegharkunik, Syunik, Aragacotn, Kotayk, Vayots Dzor and Tavush. Executive power on the marz level is at Marspetaran. Marzes consist of the rural and urban communities and the community authorities are called Local Self- Governing Bodies (LGBs). The population of Armenia as of 2001 is 3210.0 thousands. One third of the population lives in Yerevan, another third in other urban areas. Ethnic composition of Armenia shows that the minority communities are Russians, Yezidis, Kurds, Assyrians, Greeks, Ukrainians and Jews. Official language is Armenian. The overwhelming majority of Armenians are Christians, belonging to the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Armenia declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and became a democratic sovereign state.

Figure 2: Map of Republic of Armenia

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2. Project location

Project “Tranche 3 Talin-Gyumri” is the section of the North-South Road Corridor Investment Program. The length of the Tranche is nearly 45.20 km, which includes 12 communities (three urban and nine rural) of Aragatsotn and Shirak Marz. Almost 61.5% of population is urban.

The Marz of Aragatsotn occupies 9.3% of the republic’s territory. Its population, according to 2001 Census was 4.3% of the total population of Armenia with more than 76% living in rural areas (the highest percentage of rural population among the Armenian marzes). The marz includes territories of former regions of Ashtarak, Aparan and Talin. The town of Ashtarak became capital of the marz in 1995 with a population of 18,915 people (Census 2001).

Marz of Shirak of RA occupies 9% of the whole territory of Armenia, based on the census in RA in 2001. This marz includes the territories of former administrative districts of Artik, Akhuryan, Ani, Amasia, and Ashotsk, the three towns- Gyumri, Artik, Maralik and 128 rural settlements. Town Gyumri (1924-1990 -Leninakan) is situated on the left bank of the Akhuryan river at a distance of, 120 km from Yerevan. It is the second largest town of the republic with 140,318 people.

The following table gives the affected communities and their gender disaggregated population figures.

Table 2: Population Details Of The Affected Communities 1

Community Population (de facto population) Male Female Total Gyumri 64,221 76,097 140,318 Talin 2,296 2,685 4,981 Maralik 2,171 2,824 4,995 Total for urban communities 68,688 81,606 150,294 Lanjik 317 420 737 Sarnaghbyur 1143 1417 2560 Dzorakap 436 506 942 Hayrenyac 308 335 643 Horom 882 1,025 1,907 Azatan 1988 2,492 4,480 Beniamin 288 350 638 Lusakert 275 369 644 Mastara 1,042 1,183 2,225 Total for rural communities 6,679 8,097 14,776 Total 75,367 89,703 165,070

1 www.armstat.am , census 2001

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3. Socio-political, Socio-Economic Status

Following the collapse of Soviet Union, Armenia transited to a market economy, and changed its political system from socialistic to democratic. Transition was not simple: transformation of all state social institutes and social security systems, disruption of trade and production led to the changes in living standards and a rise in poverty. Two more factors aggravated the situation - the first is the 1988 earthquake (at least 25,000 people died, 40% of the production capacity was destroyed) and armed conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Kharabagh (economic blockade of Armenia, refugees). All this resulted in intensive migration of the population and increased the level of poverty, especially in rural communities.

Table 3: Main Poverty Indicators of 2008 and Their Dynamics Relative to 2004, (%)

2004 2008 2008/2004 Very Poor Very Poor % in total Poverty Poverty Very Poor poor poor population Gap severity poor Urban areas 7.5 36.4 3.9 23.8 64.9 3.3 0.9 -48.2 -34.5 Yerevan 6.1 29.2 3.2 19.7 33.9 2.6 0.7 -47.6 -32.5 Other cities 9.2 43.9 4.6 28.3 31.0 4.1 1.1 -49.6 -35.5 Rural areas 4.4 31.7 1.7 22.9 35.1 2.6 0.6 -61.0 -27.8 Total 6.4 34.6 3.1 23.5 100 3.1 0.8 -51.2 -32.1 Source: ILCS 2004 and 2008; Note: Consumption was assessed per one adult

In order to combat the situation, the GoA approved and has been implementing the National Poverty Reduction Strategy since 2003. Poverty significantly decreased in Armenia over 2004 to 2008. The most significant factor in poverty reduction in Armenia was steady and prospective economic growth and high GDP. But in 2009, it fell to -14.4% 2. The Word Bank Report “On the Impact of the Economic Crisis on Poverty in Armenia” mentioned that due to the current crisis, another 172,000 people can fall below the poverty line between 2009 and 2010 3 . Hence, poverty still remains a problem in Armenia and about 25% (more than 760,000 permanent residents) of the population is poor and about 100,000 out of them are extremely poor.

4. Community Profiles

The profile of rural communities is similar as in Tranche 2. The Primary occupation of people in all villages is agriculture. A large number of households in all the villages are below the poverty line. The main problem in the villages is unemployment. Lack of gas, and potable drinking water were also expressed as critical issues. In some rural communities like Agarak, lack of schools was mentioned as a problem. All households have latrines.

2http://www.worldbank.org.am/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/ECAEXT/ARMENIAEXTN/0,,contentMDK:2062875 4~menuPK:301586~pagePK:141137~piPK:141127~theSitePK:301579,00.html 3 Armenia- Crisis Poverty and Social Impact Analysis

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Gyumri (140,318) is the second large city in RA after the capital (Yerevan). Until the disastrous earthquake Gyumri was a big industrial centre. The Spitak earthquake destroyed about 1,600,000 m2 dwelling surface in the town. In the post-earthquake period of 1989-2002 some 1,018,600 m2 was reconstructed. At the same time social and cultural units were also reinforced. In Gyumri in 2002 there were forty nine industries, one fishing and fish farming unit, 28 construction companies, 10 transport companies, 120 rendering services and 489 retail trade units, of which there were 183 stores, 279 kiosks, 24 public catering units, 2 consumer goods and 1 agricultural products market. There are several NGOs actively functioning in Gyumri. Source: NGOs

B. HIV/AIDS SITUATION

1. General Situation

Registration of HIV cases started in 1988 and till 2010 (September) 921 HIV cases had been registered in Armenia, with 149 new cases registered during 2009. Males constitute a major part in the total number of HIV cases - 666 (72.3%), females make up 255 cases (27.7%) and 20 cases in children (2.1%). According to the latest statistics, published on the official website, 57.8% of the HIV-infected individuals belong to the age group of 25-39, which shows that majority are in the working age group. It is estimated that about 2300 persons are possibly living with HIV in the country. 4

The progress of HIV cases is growing as shown in the figure below. The largest number of HIV cases (149) was registered in 2009. More than 34% of all the HIV registered cases and 44% of the AIDS cases have been diagnosed within 2 recent years 5. The dynamics are associated with the increase of the diagnostics capacities, increasing accessibility to testing, raising the level of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, and establishing a VCT system etc. 6

4 www.armaids.am

5 UNGASS Country Progress Report. Republic of Armenia. Reporting period: January 2008-December 2009 6 www.armaids.am

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The analysis of the HIV cases registered in Armenia in 2000-2009 shows, that in recent years the percentage ratio of main modes of HIV transmission has changed. Before 2005, the number of cases of transmission through injecting drug-use made up more than a half of the registered HIV cases, but starting from 2006 the percentage of heterosexual mode of transmission in registered HIV cases has been significantly increased.

Table 4:HIV infection transmission modes

Sl. No. Identified Modes %ge 1. Transmission through heterosexual practices 50.9 2. Transmission through injecting drug usage 39.8 3. Transmission through homosexual practices 2.0 4. Mother-to-child transmission 1.7 5. Transmission through blood 0.3 6. Unknown 5.3

However, during the in-depth interviews, NGO representatives mentioned that drug users’ group is very vulnerable, especially in the rural communities, where the usage of the same syringe for injection is higher. The following groups have been identified as vulnerable to HIV infection:

• MSM • Injecting Drug Users • Sex workers • Migrants • Youth and most at risk adolescents (MARA)

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2. Knowledge

The knowledge on HIV prevention shows that the most aware are the MSM groups and the most vulnerable and unaware are the youth. Different interviews with NGOs confirm the same. Awareness programs for MSMs were very intensive during last few years, so today this group is the most aware of the HIV/AIDS issues.

Table 5: Proportion of correct answers given to the questions measuring knowledge on HIV preventions

The questions measuring knowledge on HIV prevention IDUSs IDUSs MARA- IDUSs CSWs MARA- CSWs MSM MARA-MSM Prisoners Migrants Refugees Youth EVYP Can the risk of HIV transmission be reduced - 76 90.4 36 92.9 81.6 74.2 67.1 70 63.6 65 by having sex only one faithful, uninfected partner Can the risk of HIV transmission be reduced 5.6 72 90.8 56 95.9 79.6 84.5 77.2 72 73.2 91 by using condoms? Can a healthy-looking person have HIV 20.8 52 78.8 28.6 87.9 67.3 64.7 52.4 65 69.5 47 Can a person get HIV from mosquito bites? - 68 73.6 36 87.7 56 58.6 51.6 28.9 66.7 54 Can a person get HIV by sharing a meal with 60 73.6 36 91.7 71.4 74.2 67.6 47.9 76.9 56 someone who is infected? Knowledge on HIV prevention (correct answer 16 54.2 8 73.7 40 30.4 27.6 11 36.4 18 to all 5 questions) Source: HIV Epidemiological Surveillance in the Republic of Armenia

3. Practice

Researches show that people are not disposed to use condoms for HIV prevention. During interviews with NGO’s representatives we found out that the usage of the condoms is a cultural issue of stereotyping its use with lack of trust, reduction in pleasure, etc. It is further hindered by the high cost of condoms and lack of availability. The problem is more obvious in rural communities, than in urban communities. The following table shows reasons for inconsistence condom use.

Table 6: Reasons for inconsistent condoms use of the surveyed groups

Reason

IDUs CSWs Migrant s Youth EVYP Too expensive/ unaffordable - - 1.2 3.7 - Embarrassed to purchase condom 5.6 - 4.3 5.6 6.9 Difficult to use 20.8 2.1 6.2 4.7 3.4 Not easy to purchase - - 1.9 0.9 3.4 Reduces pleasure 51.7 50 35.4 44.9 55.2 Embarrassed to ask their partner/client to use condom 1.4 16.7 4.3 5.6 - Trust their partner 45.8 50 64 53.3 34.5 Unaware of effectiveness of condom use 4.2 2.1 1.2 0.9 - Other 13.9 10.4 11.3 10.5 17.2 Source: HIV Epidemiological Surveillance in the Republic of Armenia

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4. Gender aspect

The majority of all the HIV-infected males (55.6%) are individuals who practice injecting drug usage, while almost all the women (98.4%) were infected through sexual contacts.

Considering that in Armenian society men play a dominant role in decision making, particularly in sexual life, awareness among women will not ease the problem of practicing safe sex. NGO representatives mentioned that woman can not make a decision concerning sexual life in the most cases. She can not decide to use condoms, control husband’s migration, or demand clients’ to use the condoms. In this sense woman are more vulnerable than men.

5. Geographical aspect

HIV cases were reported in all marzs and in Yerevan. The maximum number of HIV cases was registered in Yerevan, the capital: 389 cases, which constitute 42.2% of all the registered cases. Shirak Marz follows next with officially recorded 97 cases, which constitute 10.5% of all the registered cases. The table below shows that the registered cases are the most spread in the Yerevan, Shirak and Lori marzes.

Table 7: The number of the registered HIV Allocation of the registered cases by regions, December 31, 2009 cases per 100000 population 2007 2009

Yerevan 23.4 32.2 Shirak 18.8 29.8 Lori 17.3 29.2 Armavir 15.4 27.0 Syunik 10.5 21.6 Ararat 12.5 20.1 Gegharkunik 12.5 18.4 Aragacotn 10.1 16.5 Vayotc Dzor 5.4 14.3 Kotayk 8.0 14.2 Tavush 4.5 10.4 Total 16.7 25.6

Source: (1) UNGASS Country Progress Report. Republic of Armenia; (2) HIV epidemiological surveillance in the Republic of Armenia

6. Risk factors and limitations for HIV prevention

The following risks were defined based on the conducted desk research and interviews with governmental and non-governmental organisations representatives:

• social taboos associated with HIV and reproductive health; • fear of getting tested for HIV and refrain from seeking medical assistance; • stigma associated with HIV and discrimination against PLHIV, which impede the effectiveness of HIV prevention programs;

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• lack of HIV prevention programs for migrant workers (mostly men) and sex workers (mostly woman), a large group at higher risk; • general low awareness about HIV/AIDS.

7. Laws and Policies related to HIV/AIDS, National Responses to Combat AIDS

In 1997, the National Assembly adopted the Law on Preventing the Disease Caused by HIV, according to which HIV laboratory testing is performed on a voluntary and anonymous basis unless otherwise prescribed by law. A voluntary counselling and testing system has been introduced in health institutions since 2004.

RA has joined all the International initiatives taken in the field of HIV/AIDS. Prioritizing the issue of responding to HIV/AIDS on March 2003 GoA approved US$ 33 million for the National Program on the Response to HIV Epidemic for 2007-2011 based on the National Strategic Plan on the response to HIV Epidemics. The program will receive 25 percent of its funding from the state budget and the remainder from international donor agencies. It has 6 key points: development of multisectoral response to HIV, HIV prevention; treatment, care and support; M&E; management, coordination and partnership; mobilization of the financing and financial resources.

All the national strategies in the field of the HIV/AIDS are presented in the National Programme on the Response to the HIV Epidemic in the Republic of Armenia for 2007-2011. The activities implemented are funded by the GFATM through allocations from the State Budget and financial support provided by the other donor organisations. As we can see from the table, the major part of the HIV/AIDS field funding is the financial sources of the GFATM (51.6% of all the funding for 2009). In accordance to the prioritisations in the National program, the State budget spent more money in the field in 2009 both in the percentage ratio to other funding source, and in absolute numbers in relation to the previous 2008 year (See table below).

Table 8: AIDS spending in the Republic of Armenia in 2008 and 2009 by financial sources (AMD)

2008 2009 Absolute number % Absolute number % State budget 170,273,500 21,4 229,825,400 27,5 GFATM 453,305,226 56,9 431,635,840 51,6 UN agencies 73,675,600 9,2 89,629,966 10,7 International 99,649,802 12,5 84,841,918 10,2 organizations Total 796,904,127 100 835,933,124 100

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8. Organizational Structure of Government

The National Program on HIV prevention is implemented by different parties both governmental and non governmental. The most influential governmental bodies in the field of HIV/AIDS are the CCM and NCAP. All the activities implemented in the field of HIV/AIDS are coordinated by the CCM. The Country Coordination Commission on HIV/AIDA Prevention in the RA was established (2002) by the decision of the National Inter-ministerial Council on HIV/AIDS Prevention to approve project proposal to submit to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, to determine current priority strategies on HIV/AIDS prevention, to allocate and monitor the Global Fund’s finances. Members of CCM are the representatives of governmental, non-governmental and multilateral and bilateral partners. Structure of the CCM is presented In Figure 1 below.

Figure 1 Structure of the CCM, source www.armaids.am

Figure 1 – Structure of CCM

Goals of the CCM are the following: identification of the priorities, coordination of different activities in governmental, non-governmental, societal levels, levels of international organisations and private sector; developing of preventive activities, M&E of the finances provided by GF. CCM has Working Groups on HIV/AIDS and TB, which aimed to ensure

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technical support to the CCM for effective coordination. In 2008-2009 CCM organised 10 meetings and took 185 decisions 7.

The most active governmental structure that aimed to coordinate and implement HIV/AIDS prevention activities is the National Centre for AIDS Prevention (NCAP) of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia (RA). NCAP was established in November 1989 8. The main areas of occupation are the following:

• Information and education activities (development, publishing and distribution of different education materials, booklets among HIV vulnerable groups and population in general by support of and in collaboration with other organisations; organisation of seminars, training, peer educational activities) • Training personnel (training the specialists on HIV/AIDS prevention and laboratory diagnostics, preparation of the specialists for providing peer education and outreach work, training-seminar for community workers, church representatives, journalists, NGOs, M&E specialists etc. both in Yerevan and in RA Marzes) • Scientific-research activities (biological and behavioral surveys, publication of scientific and research articles) • Counselling providing (for people living with HIV/AIDS and their family members, Hot line services, HIV pre-test and post-test consultation) • Laboratory diagnostics (different immunologic, biochemical and clinical etc. tests are conducted) • Medical care (provision free of charge antiretroviral treatment to the people living with HIV/AIDS, drug prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission, as well as prevention and treatment for opportunistic infections; provision of HIV/AIDS patients with specialized medical care (stomatology, dermatovenerologic, gynecologic)

9. Role of NGOs in the country

Not only the governmental organizations, but NGOs are involved in the HIV/AIDS field, such as “Real World Real People”, “APEC”, “Armenian Public Health”, “AIDS Prevention Union”, ”Scientific association of Medical students of Armenia”, “Armenian Red Cross”, “Positive People Armenian Network”, “Hope and Help” NGOs etc.

NGOs perceive themselves as more flexible units and people-oriented organizations, simultaneously governmental organizations asses them as instruments, that help them in their work and in the implementation of the national strategy on HIV/AIDS prevention.

Generally, NGOs provide support to HIV infected people, try to empower HIV positive community, conduct trainings for vulnerable groups, peer education programs, publish and distribute information materials, provide consultancies, provide condoms. NGOs are actively involved in the research and monitoring field, trying to understand the socio-cultural aspects of the problem and organize different public events (demonstrations, actions etc.).

7 UNGASS Country Progress Report. Republic of Armenia. Reporting period: January 2008-December 2009 8 Since 1997 the NCAP functioning has been regulated by the RA Law on “Prevention of Disease caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus”.

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The major part of NGOs are registered in Yerevan, therefore non-governmental sector in the Marzes is not strong. Some NGOs have their branches in the large cities, mostly in Gyumri. Gyumri has several NGOs that are very active in the HIV/AIDs sphere, particularly, “Ajakic”, “Nor Serund” (New Generation) NGO.

Assessing the state commitment to the NGOs and involvement in the field, NGO representatives mentioned, that (a) the state funding of the NGO sector is not enough, NGOs mostly are funded by GFATM or other international organizations, (b) the participation in the activities is not enough: “ They don’t speak, they don’t participate in actions organized by NGOs ” (NGO representative).

The main limitations and difficulties mentioned by the NGO representatives are the following: (a) limited funding, (b) limited state commitment and cooperation, (c) work in the regions, by reason of absence of local regional NGOs, or the filial.

10. Project Area & Community Perceptions on HIV/AIDS Related Issues i. Awareness of HIV/AIDS

Interesting differences were noticed between perception of urban (Gyumri) and rural communities. In the city, people were more informed, especially adolescents and woman, at the same time, the level of information of men, except several very young adults (near 20-22), was very similar to the awareness of the people from the rural communities. The perceptions mentioned are provided below -

“It is an illness of the immunity, and you can be infected if you use the same syringe, if you have sex with infected person.”

For elderly male in the rural and in Gyumri the knowledge of HIV/AIDS is common and all associated with sexual transmission and few mentioned other modes like blood. Most are familiar with the Russian name SPID for AIDS.

However, some felt that dangers of HIV/AIDS are created by media and people and blamed US.

“I think that HIV/AIDS doesn’t exist at all. That myth was created only to make money. They talk about it in the USA but I don’t think it’s real.” (Male group)

“During our times, we were afraid of siphilis, now-with HIV. The best way is to be afraid of God. Do not commit adultery ! As it was written in Christianity.

There was one interesting response to the question on difference between HIV and AIDS –

“…. I think HIV is for animals and AIDS is for human beings ”. (Male group)

Majority perceived that HIV cannot be cured. However, they felt that with development in medical science cure is possible. A few had heard about a local cure called “Armenicum”. They felt that there is a cure. Overall, people seemed to doubt if there is any medicine. But some said,

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“We have heard that ‘Armenicum’ can help.” (Male group)

“AIDS is a sexually transmitted infection, and it cannot be cured. (Male group)

“In earlier stages AIDS can be cured,”; “…..if treated correctly one can avoid infecting others”; ”……..cure for HIV is discovered, but not for AIDS ……..were some of the perceptions in the female group.

Most respondents are oblivious to the term ‘window period’. When explained, they called it as ‘secret period’ and equated it with ‘incubation period’ as in the case of all infections. Some felt the need to know more about HIV/AIDS. Many felt that “there is no need to know what window period is” . ii. Awareness on HIV prevention

In urban Gyumri, both men and women in different age groups were better informed about HIV prevention. They were well informed about prevention methods like ‘use of condoms’ and ‘not using the same syringe.’ In the rural communities a part of the respondents were aware who other than ‘using condoms’ also mentioned ‘avoiding causal sex’, being ‘faithful to a single partner’ and avoiding ‘sex with foreigners’ as methods of preventing HIV. However, many also believed in myths such as using of the same towel, tableware, using same transport etc. will spread infection. Majority in rural women’s groups also mentioned “Let them (men) restrain themselves in their sexual relations, so they won’t get infected.”

Some better aware men and woman that ‘use of condoms’ will prevent STIs and HIV both. They also mentioned ‘blood as the medium of transmission’ emphasising that “….. there should be a governmental control over the hospitals…..they should be very careful.”

The worst notion of prevention came from rural areas where some men and women said, “…..you are not supposed to talk to infected people, you may get infected”. Another view was, “…one must avoid communicating with strangers.” Yet another view was, “I think that medicine is trying to combat the disease now, but if it cannot be cured then it is necessary to isolate the infected people.” iii. Consequence and impact of HIV – discrimination

Overall, respondents perceived that HIV will impact seriously on people’s health, reduce their ability to earn and infect others in the family and community. Many felt that the families will be disgraced and the elderly people in the community “will never accept him”.

How HIV impacts health, how that can be stalled and what is ART are not known to most. Despite the fact, that people in most cases know the major ways of HIV transmission, they mentioned that they would attempt to avoid people with HIV.

If you are a smart man, you will not interact with HIV infected person.”

“If I know that somebody is HIV positive, I will avoid talking with him. Of course, it will not transmit through chatting, but anyway…”

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People in rural communities have not heard of any case of HIV in the area and none have actually therefore seen any one with HIV. They had no idea how a PLHA could be supported. Some mentioned that in case of any doubt, the person must seek support from a doctor and follow a doctor’s instructions. The others felt that there should be immediate isolation of the person and banishment from social life.

“One must be isolated.”

“I don’t know where but he must be isolated.”

Adolescents in Gyumri could not mention any case of HIV, even any gossip. At the same time, participants of the female group (20-45) and the young boys in the male group knew about HIV cases. One woman told:

“There was a woman at our work place. She was ill. Everybody tried to help her. Once, all of us went for the analysis, and it was discovered, that she had HIV. She left her job. None of us have any relations with her since then. She lied to us. I do not want to hear about her.”

“If somebody is ill, no one will interact with him, everybody will leave him, even relatives and friends” iv. Role of NGOs

Awareness level on NGO activities was different in Shirak and Aragatsotn marz. The most informed people were in Gyumri, even adolescents knew the names of NGOs working in Gyumri, but they could not name the specific NGOs working on HIV/AIDS.

According to NGO representatives in Yerevan, the level of awareness on HIV/AIDS in Shirak marz is possibly higher, than in Aragatsotn marz. For many years “Doctors Without Borders”, an international organization worked in Shirak (mostly in Gyumri) and implemented various prevention programs in HIV/AIDS spending more time on awareness and training in Shirak urban and rural communities and also conducting HIV testing etc. NGO sector is quite developed in Shirak, therefore some form of awareness program, training program and/or seminar are conducted in this region almost throughout the year.

Representatives of the NGO sector mentioned, that the level of awareness in rural communities is less than in urban communities like Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor etc. Generally, the awareness in marzes is not high. v. Vulnerability

It is generally perceived that people from Armenia going to Russia are very vulnerable as Russia has many infected persons. Since migrants generally have risk behaviour, they would be vulnerable. It was however, interesting to note that the mobile people, who participated in FGDs, did not consider themselves as vulnerable. Adolescents are vulnerable as they have “uncontrolled sexual behaviour”. Prostitutes were considered not only vulnerable but also carriers of infection. Some mentioned children and old to be vulnerable also. For children specifically, “they may touch clothes, utensils, etc. of the infected people and not know the difference”.

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It is interesting, that in all the FGDs men were considered as more vulnerable then women, because of their active sexual life, migration etc.

"Migrating men have free life without family.”

Some felt that because majority of drug users are men, "….if men are not infected, women will not get infected,” because the majority of drug users are men." vi. Impact of road on HIV/AIDS

There are contradictory opinions on the impact of roads among rural and urban communities. Some said there is no relation between the two. Some mentioned that there will be major impacts, as Armenia will become a transit country, drug and human movement will increase thus increasing vulnerability of the project area to HIV/AIDS.

“…We have no any obstacles even now to get to Iran, Turkey, and Georgia. Only some pot holes on the road, no more. If we have a good road, we will enjoy our journey.”

Some of the respondents saw danger of the road. For example, in Agarak respondents said, active traffic will increase the number of the prostitutes on the road, which will increase the number of infected people.

“…for example prostitutes will travel with Persian truck drivers to Persia and will bring different diseases including HIV/AIDS… there are always women like that travelling with people that travel a lot.” vii. Information on HIV/AIDS

The main source of information about HIV/AIDS, its transmission and preventions is TV. This is true of both rural and urban communities.

“Of course, the most information to people have comes from TV. But this knowledge is not indepth. it it is very shallow. To have real knowledge, people must attend trainings. I was on the training that was organized by Hanrapetakan political party, and the knowledge I have now is more useful for me: how to interact with HIV people, where to go if you have questions etc.”

Sometimes TV generates wrong knowledge and perception of HIV situation, for example,

In the “Circle of life” (the film), they were telling about HIV. Somebody was infected, and worked in the beauty saloon. People stopped visiting the saloon as nobody wanted to use the equipments and other things. This spreads a message that we can be infected through the towels also?”

The younger urban participants mentioned internet and magazines as source of information. For the urban adolescents the main source of information is the school (classes of biology). Gyumri FGD young participants and adolescents mentioned having attended different trainings on HIV/AIDS in the colleges, schools and NGOs and also programs organised by political parties.

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The respondents - adolescents, younger males and all women who were eager to know more about the disease felt that there should be robust awareness programs. During discussions, they felt that there is lack of knowledge and information. Posters, meetings and discussions with all, specifically youth who are trying to travel abroad for jobs need more awareness and knowledge. Compulsory blood testing for migrants, lessons in schools, campaigns on facts and figures on the disease, TV shows, condom promotions, etc. were suggested by the people.

The elderly men however, did not feel the need for more knowledge than they already have at the moment.

C. HUMAN TRAFFICKING SITUATION

1. General situation

The protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Woman and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime define trafficking in human beings as follows

“Trafficking in persons shall mean the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or removal of organs” 9.

Trafficking is often called modern form of slavery. RA has been listed in US State Department Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report from 2002 graduation from Tier 3 to Tier 2 and maintained the ranking for 2 years. However, in 2005 the ranking shifted from Tier 2 to Tier 2-Watch List till 2008. During the assessment in 2009 RA shifted the ranking again to Tire 2.

Armenia is mainly a country of origin for 85% identified VOTs, but in some cases also a destination and transit country for trafficking. Trafficking directions are towards the UAE and Turkey.

Table 9: Destination Countries for VOTs Assisted in Armenia

Armenia 15% Russia 14% Turkey 30% U.A.E. 41% Source: Victims of Trafficking Assisted in Armenia, October 2003-March 2007

9 Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Woman and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/55/25 of November 2000

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Socio-economic reasons for trafficking in Armenia are the low level of social welfare, low salaries, unstable occupations, high rate of unemployment and unequal regional development. Basically, poverty compels people to begin searching for jobs by any means, with migration being one of the alternatives. Today, when migration is regulated by law in the most countries, and the migration regime is strongly controlled, the illegal ways of migration are becoming major problems. Overall, trafficking in Armenia is not well researched; however, based on available data, sexual exploitation is the most common motive, with forced labour cases in the second place 10 .

The most vulnerable groups are the poor people, illegal migrants, woman, (particularly divorced/ widowed) and children.

The following factors underlie the child vulnerability:

- insufficient awareness of the phenomenon and life experience, - not sensitive child protection system, - confusion of values.

Based on the “Child Trafficking phenomenon in Armenia: Study in the Scope of Awareness of Targeted Children and Public” research (conducted by , People in Need, Yerevan 2010), 87% of adults have heard about trafficking, but only 51.5% of the children were aware of the phenomenon. Interestingly, the study reveals that more wealthy adults are the more aware of the trafficking, and the more wealthy children are the most unaware.

Seasonal labour migrants who have been already engaged in certain emigrational movement based on trustful ties and connections are less vulnerable. The question is that only legal emigrational flows can serve to prevent trafficking since there a large number of migrants leaving to go abroad without having signed an official labour contract.

Information about trafficking in human beings in, from and through RA is very fragmented and often not reliable. The most part of the information on the issue is the data collected by NGOs that assisted the victims. The following is VOTs profile based on reports by NGOs who assisted the VOT. The majority are literate having studied till secondary school levels. A larger majority are divorced /single.

10 “Child Trafficking phenomenon in Armenia: Study in the Scope of Awareness of Targeted Children and Public”

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Based on the data, provided by NGOs on the identified and assisted VOTs, 29 VOTs were from the capital, 49 from other urban areas, and 14 from rural areas. Therefore, the majority of the victims come from small cities and rural areas. The following marzes were identified 11 .

Table 10: Residence of identified and assisted VOTs in Armenian Marzes

Yerevan 29 (41%) Aragatsotn 1 (1%) Ararat 3 (4%) Armavir 6 (8%) Gegharkunik 5 (7%) Kotayk 4 (6%) Lori 11 (16%) Shirak 10 (14%) Tavush 2 (3%)

2. National Responses to Trafficking and Migration

In 2002 GoA established an Inter-Agency commission (IAC) to study the issues and make suggestions in regard to illegal transfer and trafficking in humans from RA with purpose of exploitation. It organized several meetings with involvement of different ministries and governmental agencies. The Armenian Red Cross is the only non-governmental organization that is member of the IAC. Representative of several NGOs, IOM, OSCE, and UNDP are invited to participate in the meetings as observers. In 2007 an Anti-trafficking Council was established. The Deputy Prime Minister of RA, Minister of Territorial Administration was assigned as chairman of the Council to look into the issues of people’s exploitation (trafficking) Armenia by the decision

11 Source: Victims of Trafficking Assisted in Armenia, October 2003-March 2007.

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N 1932 – N of December 6, 2007 of the RA Government on “Creation of the council of people exploitation (trafficking) issues in the Republic of Armenia”. The members of the council are the deputy ministers 12 , local NGO representatives, and international organizations. Further, the following units are established within different departments. The unit on Trafficking and Illegal Migrants was created within the Police of the Republic of Armenia, as well as at the National Security Service.

IAC developed the “Concept Paper on Preventing Trafficking in Human from the RA” and the “Action on Prevention of Trafficking in Persons from the RA plan for 2004-2006”. The latter was approved by the GoA. The action plan consists of activities aimed at prevention, protection, prosecution, as well as international cooperation. The action plan for 2007-2009 was approved and implemented. The last action plan for 2010-2012 is approved and is in the implementation stage.

“Anti-trafficking Program: Capacity Building Support and Victims Assistance” was launched in 2004. GoA in cooperation with UNDP in partnership with UNCOR and IOM implemented the program. From 2006 a 3-year second phase continued the mission of the program.

The new Criminal Code of the RA entered into force in 2003 where for the first time trafficking was defined as a separate crime. In 2006 issue of labor trafficking was adding. There are “Kidnapping”, “Illegal deprivation of freedom”, “Child trafficking”, “Engagement in prostitution of other persons for profit” and “Inciting to prostitution” articles in the Criminal Code of RA. In 2007 the following laws entered into force on “Preventing Trafficking in Humans” and on “State protection of persons Participating in Criminal Proceedings”.

As per Armenian legislation, certain assistance should be provided to victims, and that should as a minimum include secure accommodation, medical treatment, and education for children, but de facto, because of lack of financial resources, this is not implemented. 13 There are some gaps between the law and reality based on OSCE office in Yerevan report “Trafficking in Human Beings in the Republic of Armenia: An Assessment of Current Responses” (2007). According to the report, the area in which law has adapted least to the reality is in victim assistance and protection.

3. International Commitments

Armenia is a party to –

Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) since 1994, UN and European human rights instruments Bilateral and multilateral agreements on mutual legal assistance, and

12 Ministry of Territorial Administration , Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Ministry of Economy , Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs , Ministry of Healthcare , Ministry of Education and Science , Ministry of Justice , Ministry of Defense , Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs , Ministry of Diaspora and adjunct bodies RA Prosecutor's Office, RA Police , National Security Service , National Statistical Service of the Republic of Armenia. 13 “Trafficking in Human Beings in the Republic of Armenia: An Assessment of Current Responses”, Yerevan, 2007, OSCE office in Yerevan .

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Extradition agreements with certain countries, e.g. Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Egypt, U.A.E. etc.

It also ratified the following conventions –

UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, and Council Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.

4. Role of NGOs

Both international and local non-governmental organizations are involved - OSCE, UNDP, IOM and the US State Department in prevention of trafficking The NGOs that are actively involved in the anti-trafficking are: “Hope and Help” NGO, “People in Need” NGO, UMCOR and “Democracy Today”. Mostly they are located in Yerevan. Generally international organizations in Norway and Netherlands are the source of funding for NGOs. In Shirak Marz, NGOs generally involved in trainings and information providing. The scope of work of the NGOs are –

1. Assistance to the victims, particularly toll-free telephone service, medical and humanitarian assistance, provision of clothes, food, personal hygiene items, psychological consulting, as well as reintegration through trainings and provision of the lawyer’s services if needed; 2. Trainings for public servants and general population; 3. Researches and surveys on the issue.

5. Project Area & Community Perceptions on Trafficking i. Awareness

The term ‘trafficking’ is known, but there is confusion between exploitation of labor and trafficking. Generally labor traveling abroad and exploited are considered trafficked. A few perceived that selling of people is trafficking. Some also perceived that prostitution is another form of trafficking.

“Trafficking is labor exploitation when one is taken out of his country and being exploited as a second rate men”. (Men’s group)

“They take people abroad and make them work there”. (Women’s group)

“Trafficking is when men sell men”. (Women’s group)

“I know one man that was working in Moscow but they didn’t pay him his money, so he came back. Isn’t that trafficking”? (Men’s group)

“Trafficking is the exploitation of women and children”. (Women’s group)

“For exampale, when people go to work abroad, but are cheated, their money is not given to them. But now there are tough measures being taken against such exploitations, particularly in

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the respective Mayor’s office. If you go to work abroad, the employer must sign a contract with you...” (Men’s group)

“ For being trafficked, it is not necessarily going abroad, it can be also be within Armenia” (Women’s group)

Interviews with NGO representatives showed, that as Shirak marz is one of the main source of migration in Armenia, there is an active discourse going on preventing trafficking, particularly in Gyumri. FGDs revealed that people are aware of simple rules about how to behave in some situations, but, unfortunately, they don’t practice. For example:

“Of course we know what to do. Don’t speak to foreigners, don’t give anybody your passport, phone number, don’t go with anybody if he calls you….(during the same FGD later)… One elderly man asked me to take me home. He asked me about school, where and what I was studying. Then my mother scolded me for it and ordered me not to speak to anybody on the street.” (Adolescents’ group)

“The main thing that we must know is, that if anybody proposes a job, check all details about the person, the place of the job, everything…”

However, lack of good jobs compels people to accept what is offered, “….if I am offered a job with high salary, of course, I will agree, what other option have I?”

In general, most of woman in significant majority are aware of the trafficking. But a significant number of men seemed more unaware and in some cases lacked interest in the problem. Some men were confident that they will be able to handle a difficult situation, “We are Armenians, and will find a way out in every situation.” (Men’s group)

In general, comparison of the surveyed rural and urban communities showed that the urban population is more aware of the trafficking phenomenon. The awareness comes from media - like TV and newspapers. Children have also additional source of information: different trainings and discussions organised in the schools. Especially in Gyumri, NGOs are a good source of information for woman and men. ii. Trafficking in project area

Since there is no known incidence of trafficking in the project communities, trafficking is almost a non-issue. In some rural areas in Parpi, respondents mentioned knowledge of missing people from communities who they perceived have gone away to other countries of the former Soviet Union for jobs. In another rural community, in Ujan, one respondent reported that her husband went off to Russia but did not come back and she has no information of him any more. She did not know what to do and took no steps. However, she contemplated taking steps by contacting friends in Russia. “We have good friends in Russia. If our friends cannot help we’ll be forced to turn to the police, but I wouldn’t do that.” The people seemed to have no confidence in police.

In other rural areas, there were several cases and stories discussed during the FGDs on how people were cheated and lured into jobs outside the country.

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“A relative cheated a woman and took her to Turkey to work. And now this woman is in very bad situation and cannot come back. Her daughter is here, but she cannot help her mother as husband forbidden her to do it.”

“Many such cases have happened, women have gone to Turkey and Emirates. I do not want to say how I know such cases, but people prefer not to talk about these as it is shame on the community…...”

“Many of our men are trafficked, when go to work abroad. They work 8 months and come back without money.”

6. Vulnerability

Majority felt that women and girls are most vulnerable to trafficking with prostitution. Some felt that even men are vulnerable. Trafficking was associated with unemployment. It was felt that women and specifically the poor ones can be cheated easily as they are looking for some means to run their families and feed children. The women can be pushed into prostitution easily.

Rural communities are more cohesive and their social network is stronger than urban communities. Women in the urban communities were found more concerned about trafficking than men. The men do not take it very seriously and seemed very confident that they can handle every situation and don’t think they are vulnerable.

There were some opinions that not the gender, but socio-economical status makes a person vulnerable for trafficking.

“The main reason is need. They all do it because of need. When they do not have job in Armenia, they go abroad to work and can become victims of trafficking.

7. Impact of trafficking

Most respondents felt that it is difficult for a trafficked person to integrate back into the society, especially when it is a woman and she has been involved in prostitution. Some respondents mentioned that trafficking has got lots of negative impacts and serious health problems, starvation, fear, psychological problems, as well as problems with the law in foreign countries, where sometimes the travel documents are confiscated and people have no chance to get back home.

Some also mentioned that it doesn’t matter whether a woman was forced into prostitution or she went by her own will, the community won’t accept her. This fear compels trafficked persons to hide whatever had happened. The respondents felt that it would be better if none of the members of the community learn about their story as they wouldn’t understand their plight.

“I think that these people would better not tell anyone about what happened to them”.

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“Personally I don’t know anyone who is a victim, but in our community, once they learn about it, people will talk about it all the time and she won’t be able to stand it. So it will be much better if no one knows”.

“Of course she is not guilty, but she will not be accepted. Husband will not accept, maybe, only parents. The society will definitely ignore and reject such a person” (Men’s group).

8. Where to receive support by VOTs

Even though very few people expressed faith in the Police, they felt it is the only possible avenue to trace a trafficked person and felt that family is the best support available to a VOT. “Who can provide a better support than one’s own family”?

Though majority found it difficult to accept a trafficked person back into the community specifically if it is women, they still advocated that the person should be located and brought back. Role of govt. other than Police and NGOs for VOTs is not known to anyone.

NGOs were mentioned as possible source of support for VOTs. Also the Police and Mayor’s offices were mentioned.

9. Impact of road on trafficking

The majority of the respondents see no connection between the widening of the road and trafficking in Armenia. They seemed more concerned about movement of agriculture vehicles and accidents on the road with increased traffic. Only a few respondents thought that the road will make Armenia a transit country for drugs and increase trafficking as well. It was difficult for them to perceive anything more than these.

Only NGO representatives see some risks related to trafficking and migration with the new road. The NGO representatives mentioned that people losing livelihood are likely to migrate if rehabilitation measures are not provided. There are others who might just migrate to other places with their compensation. They felt that land acquisition can become a stimulus for migration and trafficking. In Shirak, many people said, “Give us compensation, and we will go abroad”.

Published documents reveal that Armenia is primarily a source country for women and girls trafficked to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation. Armenian men and women are trafficked to Russia for the purpose of forced labor. NGOs reported that Armenian women were also trafficked to Turkey for the purpose of forced labor. In the project area, trafficking is connected with prostitution to a large extent and not considered a major issue. Some cases of people leaving the country in search of jobs and not returning are known and associated with trafficking.

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D. GENDER SITUATION

1. General Situation

The Soviet period had a significant influence on the position of women in Armenia which sought to emancipate women in many ways by contradicting the traditions of a patriarchal society that considered women to be “minors” throughout their lives. Soviet legacy is an influential factor in understanding the situation with gender in Armenia, there is variation within youth about the role of women, some are more conservative than others. This perhaps, is an indicator of the age old gender stereotype creeping back into the society after the Soviet collapse. The data shows that (Source: IFAD):

• About 52 per cent of the population is women in Armenia; • One third of the Armenian population lives in rural areas; about half of these rural inhabitants are women; • Agriculture employs 45 per cent of the work force in Armenia; almost half of these workers are women; • Women constitute 66 per cent of the unemployed workers in Armenia; • On an average, women earn about 30 per cent less than their male counterparts; • Collapse of Soviet Union has compelled people to migrate in search of jobs and in many cases men have left the families in the hands of women, female-headed households constitute about 27 per cent of Armenian households; • Women’s participation in government is very low; for instance, less than 5 per cent of deputies in the Armenian Parliament are women; • About 83 per cent of the country’s educators are women.

The roles and status of women and men in Armenia are influenced by patriarchal traditions. Women face various stereotypes and cultural norms living in the society such as - women are generally not decision-makers in the public sphere and women lack confidence. Armenian women are highly educated and there is no significant difference in gender in this aspect 14 .

14 Integrated Conditions Households Survey

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Table 11: Educational level by sex and age-specific groups, 2009

Educational level attained 15–24 25– 49 50+ W M W M W M Illiterate 0.0 0.3 0.3 0.3 1.3 1.0 Incomplete primary 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 1.3 1.0 Primary 3.2 3.1 0.3 0.7 7.0 5.7 General basic 15.9 19.6 3.7 7.8 11.9 10.9 General secondary(completed) 45.4 54.1 40.8 46.3 36.9 36.1 Vocational 1.4 1.4 3.1 3.9 1.4 2.7 Secondary specialized 10.2 5.1 29.5 19.3 22.3 22.6 Incomplete tertiary 10.1 7.1 0.6 1.3 0.5 0.3 Tertiary 13.2 9.0 21.4 19.8 17.2 19.2 Post-graduate 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.2 0.5 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 By present members of household

Employment is one of the most sensitive fields of women inequality, women are mostly involved in the low paid positions (in public and community levels) and are less involved in the private sphere.

Table 12: Employed by Sectors of Economy, 2009

Proportion to total Distribution by sex W M W M Total 100 100 46.5 53.5 including: by sectors Public 32.3 21.5 56.6 43.4 Community 2.1 1.6 53.5 46.5 Private 64.6 76.0 42.4 57.6 NGOs 1.0 0.9 49.5 50.5 Source: Household Integrated Living Condition Survey, NSS of RA, 2009

Inequalities between men and women are demonstrated in low political participation of women and low participation of women relative to men in socio-economic life including employment in the labor market. Armenian labor market is gendered. Education, health and social sphere are mainly in woman hands. About 45% of all surveyed women are involved in agriculture, hunting and forestry and only 34% of men are involved in the same field.

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Table 13: Employed population by type of economic activities, 2009

Proportion to Distribution by total sex W M W M Agriculture, hunting, forestry 45.7 34.0 53.9 46.1 Fishing, fish-breeding 0.0 0.0 5.4 94.6 Mining and quarrying 0.4 1.2 22.1 77.9 Manufacturing 3.8 8.1 28.1 71.1 Energy, gas and water supply 0.9 4.8 14.4 85.6 Construction 0.3 13.1 2.1 97.9 Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and personal and household goods 8.0 8.8 44.0 56.0 Hotels and Restaurants 1.5 0.7 64.9 35.1 Transport and communication 1.9 8.8 16.2 83.8 Financial activities 1.3 1.0 52.8 47.2 Real estate, renting and business activities 0.7 0.8 43.2 56.8 Public administration 4.7 8.5 32.3 67.7 Education 16.2 3.3 80.9 19.1 Health and social services 9.6 1.7 83.4 16.6 Community, social and personal activities 4.2 4.8 42.9 57.1 Households with employed persons 0.6 0.2 71.0 29.0 Extra-territorial organizations and bodies 0.2 0.2 42.1 57.9 Total 100.0 100.0 46.5 53.5 Source: Household Integrated Living Condition Survey, NSS of RA, 2009

The difference is not only in the sector of the economy, but in the income and wage of woman and men. Even though the Armenian law supports the principle of financial independence for women, in practice, the percentage of employed women is low. Official unemployment rate in 2008 for women was 9.3 and 3.2 for men. In the same year, women made up 75.5% of the officially registered unemployed 15 . In addition to this women in most cases are involved in work that are usually low paid and/or demend no high qualifications.

Table 14:Average income by gender of head in Drams, 2009

W M Urban 22163.6 42267.1 Rural 15996.9 28899.2 Source: Integrated Living Conditions Households Survey, NSS of RA, 2009

Employers have largely not taken measures to improve the work-life balance for women but often give preference to male candidates. For these reasons, women, especially those of childbearing age, have a limited influence in the public sphere.

15 Unemployment rates, Average Monthly Nominal Wages by Sex, Statistical Yearbook of Armenia, 2009

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2. Migration and Trafficking

The high level of labour migration has had a profound influence on the gender situation in Armenia, because men are migrating from Armenia in search of jobs, so the number of female- headed households is increasing. In such cases, women become vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Both in urban and in rural areas households with female head have less income than those with male heads. Female-headed households are particularly vulnerable to falling into extreme poverty since women are left alone to shoulder the burdens of household and childcare responsibilities. Another consequence of male migration has been the growth in “parallel families”, where migrant male workers establish another family in their new location. This phenomenon is compounding women’s vulnerability, especially when men return home in poor health or infected with a sexually transmitted disease.

In almost all available documents on trafficking in Armenia, including the US State Department Trafficking in Persons Report 2006, Armenia is considered to be mainly a country of origin for the United Arab Emirates and Turkey for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation. In addition, Armenians are trafficked to Russia for the purpose of forced labor (Armenia, 2008). There appear to be two main trafficking routes (1) through land to Georgia (Batumi) and then to Turkey or (2) either directly or through Moscow to the United Arab Emirates (Snajdrova & Hancilova, 2007).

Since 2002, the Armenian Government established an advisory council and a legislative framework criminalizing trafficking. The law enforcement agencies and other professionals began identifying victims of trafficking and the number of victims assisted by NGO shelters in Armenia increased significantly. (Snajdrova & Hancilova, 2007) 16

According to a trafficking assessment done by OSCE in 2007, the break-up of the Soviet Union brought decrease in economic well-being and access to housing and employment which led to high rates of emigration. The economic hardship, the need to look for work abroad and the continuing gender inequality in Armenia was quoted by respondents as the main causes of trafficking from Armenia (Snajdrova & Hancilova, 2007). Information about trafficking of human beings in, from and through Armenia is unreliable. The information available is not systematically collected and analyzed. The majority of trafficked victims are women, who were trafficked for sexual exploitation. Knowledge about the profile of trafficked persons is generally based on information gathered from victims who have returned home, have been identified and assisted.

In Armenia trafficking is often understood and confused with prostitution. Law-enforcement units sometimes regard cases of pimping and engagement in prostitution as “trafficking” and vice versa. There is a widespread view that a woman who consented to work as a prostitute cannot be a victim of trafficking, that she is simply a prostitute who “should have known better”.17 (Snajdrova & Hancilova, 2007).

16 Snajdrova, H & Hancilova, B. (2007) OSCE Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Yerevan, Trafficking in Human Beings in the Republic of Armenia: An Assessment of Current Responses. 17 OSCE Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Yerevan, Women Empowerment and cooperation in Armenia with a focus on the Syunik region, 2007 and (Snajdrova & Hancilova, 2007)

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3. Gender Perceptions

Within the country, people from different regions have their peculiar notions on the roles and responsibilities of both sexes in the society in the families, while some regions are very conservative, people in the others share more modern patterns. The geography determines the specifics of gender perception among the public. In most cases a man is the head of the household. According to the Integrated Living Conditions Survey, 69.8% of household heads are male, and 31.2% female. In many cases, a female head of household is the mother-in-law. In this case, the cultural norm of respect for the elderly overthrows the gender inequality.

Armenians are monogamous and share equal rights in both marriage and divorce (Family, 2005). However, according to a study conducted by OSCE in 2007, many women admitted that they were unaware of their rights and were without access to information (OSCE, 2007). According to The Law of the Republic of Armenia's Family Code, marriage must be mutually consensual and the pair must be of marital age; 17 for women, 18 for men. Typically, the average marriage age for women is 24.1 in urban communities and 22.4 in rural communities. The average marriage age for men is 27.8 in urban communities and 27.1 in rural communities (Women, 2007). In some cases, however, marriages are still arranged by the parents (Armenia, 2008). Divorce can be legally achieved by either mutual consent or by a strong case presented by one of the spouses (Family, 2005). 18 Divorce is still very uncommon in Armenia and thus the divorce rate is reported to be less than nine percent.19

According to the CIA World Factbook, the total population life expectancy at birth is 74.47 years; female is 76.55 years and male is 72.4 years. The Infant mortality rate is 20.94 deaths/1,000 live births with 25.82 deaths for males and 15.33 deaths for females. The total fertility rate is 1.53 children born/woman.20

By law, men and women share equal family and property rights (Family, 2005). However, women have reported that in reality the father, the brother or the husband typically maintains the property legally owned by the wife (OSCE, 2007).

The data of different surveys and interviews with NGO representatives show that violence against women is common in both urban and rural communities, however women in rural areas are more vulnerable. The reports show that overall in Armenia 21 :

61.0% of women were exposed to controlling behaviour; 25.0% of women were subjected to psychological violence/abuse; 8.9% of women were subjected to physical violence; 3.3% of women were subjected to sexual violence; 9.5% of women were subjected to physical and/or sexual violence.

18 Women, 2007 19 "Armenia." Countries and Their Cultures. 18 April 2008. www.everyculture.com/abo/armenia and The law of the Republic of Armenia. Family Code. 2005. 20 CIA World Factbook (2008), Country Profile Database, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world- factbook/geos/am.html. 21 The Nationwide Survey on Domestic Violence against Women in Armenia 2008-2009 (UNFPA)

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4. Health and Family Planning

Abortion in Armenia 22 has been legal since November 23, 1955, back when Armenia was a republic of the Soviet Union ; the current abortion legislation dates from May 2002. It allows for pregnancies to be ended on request by the mother until the twelfth week and for medical and social reasons until the twenty-second week with a doctor's approval. Traditionally, abortion has been used as a manner of birth control in Armenia and the number of maternal deaths from abortion complications used to be very high (between 10 and 20% in 2000). After massive reforms, the number of deaths declined to 5% in 2005. In 2009, 23.2% of pregnancies in Armenia ended in abortion. According to official statistics, in Armenia induced abortions account for between 10 and 20 percent of maternal deaths. In an effort to reduce the number of induced abortions, the Ministry of Health, with assistance from UNFPA, implemented the Armenian National Family Planning Program in 1997 (Abrahamyan & Avagyan, 2000).

There is no major difference between the prevalence of induced abortions between urban-rural communities. There is, however, a correlation between level of education and induced abortion with both the least and most educated women less likely to resort to induced abortion than other women. The total abortion rate in Armenia is significantly higher than other Eurasian countries (Abrahamyan & Avagyan, 2000).

Access and use of more reliable methods would reduce the incidence of induced abortion, thereby improving the reproductive health of the women in Armenia (Abrahamyan & Avagyan, 2000). However, according to some of the NGO representatives, contraceptive availability is poor in Armenia. The cost is very high both for condoms and pills. Many women resort to abortion as a method of family planning and it is highly accepted. There is no report available on morbidity due to abortion. Hence, due to lack of contraceptive supplies, women are vulnerable to pregnancies and also to sexually transmitted infections.

5. Role of Government in Gender

According to article 14.1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, “Everyone shall be equal before the law. Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or other personal or social circumstances shall be prohibited.” According to article 35, “The family is the natural and fundamental cell of the society. Men and women of marriageable age have the right to marry and found a family according to their free will. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and divorce.” Armenia does not, however, have any laws that specifically prohibit discrimination against women (Filling the GAPS, 2008).

In 1997, the Department of Family, Women’s and Children’s Issues was created within the Ministry of Labor and Social Issues. A Division on the Protection of Mother and Child Health also exists within the Ministry of Health. In 2000, the Prime Minister established the interagency

22 Abrahamyan, R. & Avagyan, G. (2000) Abortion, retrieved from www2.armstat.am/Eng/Publications/1991- 2000/demo_2000/demo_2000_6.pdf.

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Council on Women’s Affairs, an advisory body tasked with coordinating efforts to resolve problems affecting women and ensuring women’s equality. The function of the Council on Women’s Affairs has been to formulate gender policies and ensure women’s representation in governance and decision-making. 19 Council members include representatives of governmental agencies and NGOs, women both from media and the business sector.

The Department of Family, Women’s and Children’s issues developed the first National Action Plan for the Improvement of Women’s Status and Enhancement of Their Role in the Society for 1998-2000. It was focused on the issues of mother and child health protection, women’s rights and fundamental freedoms, and provision of guarantees for their increased involvement in public administration. The Council on Women’s Affairs, however, was instrumental in the development of the current National Action Plan for 2004-2010. It outlines the following fields in which women face particular difficulties - decision-making, economy, education, health, violence against women and mass media. Despite covering broad themes, the National Action Plan is still based on notions of women as mothers and emphasizes women’s responsibility for family duties while suggesting that activities outside of the home would have to be reconciled with these obligations.

Approved National Action Plans were supplemented with financial resources or national machinery for implementation. It is more declarative and has not been correctly implemented.

Of the 57 measures included in the National Plan, implemented by ministries and NGOs, four were to be financed by the State, 20 required no financial resources and the remaining 33 were to be implemented by international organizations within their budgets.

In February 2010, the Prime Minister approved the Gender Policy Concept Paper, which is the first national-level statement of policy and strategy on equality between men and women in Armenia. The Concept Paper defines the primary goals of achieving gender equality in all spheres of life; ensuring equal representation of women and men in decision-making; overcoming discrimination on the basis of sex; creating equal opportunities for women and men to benefit from labor and employment; and supporting a political culture that includes gender dialog. The Gender Policy is expected to influence the development of a national action plan on gender equality for 2011-2015 and adoption of the Law “ On State Guarantees of Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities for Men and Women. ”

Armenian law supports the principle of financial independence for women. Under the law, women and men have the same access to land. In practice, the percentage of female property owners is low because women who work tend to earn much less than men, and many women are not employed at all. The Government of Armenia privatised land in 1991/92 by splitting it amongst households. Land ownership was awarded to the head of the family, regardless of gender. This means that, in reality, women can access land only in the absence of a male head of the family. Women play an important role in agriculture, and often have to manage their farms alone due to a high level of male emigration.

Access to bank loans is regulated by the banking laws, which provide women the same rights as men.

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6. International Commitments by Govt.

Armenia became a State Party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

In 2000, Armenia joined the UN Millennium Declaration and committed to achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, including promoting gender equality and empowering women. The low level of women in political office has been designated the primary obstacle to achieving the goal, and thus nationalized MDG targets focus solely on increasing women’s participation in political decision-making.

7. Role of NGOs in Gender

NGOs have a serious role in gender development and gender related issues in Armenia. A set of NGOs are actively involved but are more concentrated in the capital - Yerevan and the two bigger cities Gyumri and Vanadzor. Generally NGOs are founded by international organizations and rarely coordinate with governmental organizations. Their focus is on:

woman rights in urban and rural areas; campaigns against violence; health and sexual issues; surveys; discourses on gender equality etc.

During interviews, one NGO representative described the support from Governmental bodies as insufficient, from informational, political and financial points of view. The opinion of NGO leaders on the Gender Policy Concept Paper was that even though it is a positive and progressive step by the government on gender equality, they were skeptical, believing that it will remain a declarative document only.

8. Impact of Project on Gender

Women have important economic roles in project areas and engage in a very wide range of income generating activities like agricultural and marketing. Overall, people do not perceive any negative impact of the project on any particular gender. Involvement of women during construction programs will remain very limited due to cultural factors which show that women in Armenia do not work in construction activities.

Additionally, women headed households have been considered as the vulnerable group and special additional assistance has been provided in the entitlements in the Land Acquisition and Resettlement Framework (LARF) and Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan (LARP).

One impact of the construction of the project highway will be the creation of access limitations and borders along the road, which will negatively influence the socio-economic situation of some households who obtain income from selling of agricultural products from temporary roadside stalls. To assess this impact and determine preliminary recommendations for the relocation of these stalls and other infrastructure, that would address the needs of the fruit

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vendors along the project road, consultations were organised with the affected communities Local Self Governmental Bodies (LSGBs). The issues discussed during these consultations included the number of vendors, their socio-demographic characteristics, the peak season of work, types of products sold and desired location for an alternative infrastructure/market.

Talin, being an urban community, does not have any problem with fruit vendors. In 3 communities (Hayrenyac; Horom; Mastara) people do not have enough yield for sale as most of the lands are non-irrigated or products are cultivated for self-consumption only. In the other communities approximate numbers affected, as reported by LSGBs, varied from 10 to 25 people. In 3 of the remaining communities, all the fruit vendors are women, and in 4 communities they are divided 50-50 between men and women. (See details in Tables 15 and 16)

Table 15 Fruit vendors and their socio demographics characteristics (Preliminary numbers based on consultations with Local Self Government Bodies Representatives)

Community Approximate Age Approximate Gender Number of Distribution (%) People Female Male Talin 0 0 0 0 Maralik 10-15 60-65 100 0 Lanjik 10-15 30-60 50 50 Sarnaghbyur 10-15 40-60 50 50 Dzorakap 20-25 40-50 100 0 Hayrenyac 0 0 0 0 Horom 0 0 0 0 Azatan 20 From 20 50 50 Beniamin 20 25-45 100 0 Lusakert 70-100 From 20 50 50 Mastara 0 0 0 0

The majority of vendors are selling fruit and vegetables but some also meat and dairy products. Selling is mainly in summer and autumn and depends on community.

Table 16 Seasons for Activities

Community Approximate Gender Distribution Start Finish Talin 0 0 Maralik June November Lanjik May November Sarnaghbyur August November Dzorakap September December Hayrenyac 0 0 Horom 0 0 Azatan July November Beniamin May November Lusakert August November Mastara 0 0

Based on consultations with LSGBs representatives, it is recommended that a market area is provided near each of the interchanges which are to be constructed on the new highway, to serve the 11 affected communities. An area of land of approximately 1,000 sq. m will be identified, normally on Community owned land, beside the local link road which will connect the new interchange to the local area. The land will be cleared and levelled to provide a site, similar in nature to the roadside locations where the vendors are operating at present. This will assist them to continue to sell produce after opening of the new road. The specific details of each site will be discussed and agreed with the relevant LSGB prior to implementation. The preliminary cost estimate to provide these proposed market facilities is US$ 120,000 in total.

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IV. PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS

The HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention activities with construction workers and their potential sex-partners will be implemented during the construction phase. Activities to be undertaken will consist of the following: (i) conducting awareness raising workshops for construction workers on HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infection (STI); (ii) strengthening awareness of available referral systems and access to HIV testing and STI treatment for the defined risk group; (iii) social marketing and use of condoms through promotion and distribution at relevant and accessible points for the construction workers and their sex-partners.

The awareness and prevention activities will be implemented by experienced and qualified trainers to be recruited under the civil works contract, and under the close supervision and monitoring of the Unit on Safeguards, Resettlement and Environment (USRE) of PMU. The monitoring will be based on quarterly plans and schedules of activities proposed by the Works Contractor’s environmental Specialists and approved by the Client in advance of the commencement of the proposed actions. Field level supervision and monitoring will be undertaken.

The HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention activities for construction workers will commence with the mobilization of the contractor for construction. The Contractor is expected to mobilize its environmental team and start during the mobilization period, prior to the commencement of the construction works.

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V. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

An indicative monitoring framework has been developed. The monitoring indicators will be refined in consultation with USRE (PMU) of MOTC during the program inception phase. The final monitoring framework will be attached to the Inception Report to be prepared by the Training specialist

The trainer will monitor the program progress and outputs and based on the feedbacks from the target group may readjust the program activities in consultation with USRE (PMU). The internal monitoring activities will be reported on a quarterly basis.

The key (indicative) issues to be monitored for HIV prevention are as follows:

• Percentage increase in improved knowledge in HIV prevention, transmission for construction workers; • Percentage increase in health care access for HIV testing for construction workers; • Percentage increase in antenatal visits to health care services for construction workers;

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APPENDIX 1

List of Documents, Web Sites Consulted

1. UNGASS COUNTRY PROGRESS REPORT/Republic of Armenia/ Reporting period: January 2008 – December 2009 2. HIV epidemiological surveillance in the Republic of Armenia 3. Culturally appropriate HIV behavior change communication in the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan, 2010, PPAN, UNESCO 4. http://data.unaids.org/pub/Report/2010/armenia_2010_country_progress_report_en.pdf 5. REGULATIONS for the Country Coordination Commission on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria issues in the Republic of Armenia http://www.armaids.am/photo/CCM_Regulations_eng.pdf 6. HIV/AIDS IN ARMENIA: A SOCIO-CULTURAL APPROACH, http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001411/141154e.pdf 7. Financial resources required for the implementation of the National Programme on the Response to HIV epidemic for 2007-2011, http://www.armaids.am/photo/Financial%20Resources%20for%20NP_eng.pdf 8. Indicators and timeframes for monitoring and evaluation of the implementation and results of the National Programme on the response to HIV Epidemic for 2007-2011 in the Republic of Armenia, http://www.armaids.am/photo/M&E%20indicators%20for%20NP_eng.pdf 9. National Programme on the Response to HIV Epidemic in the Republic of Armenia for 2007-2011 10. ACTION PLAN of the implementation of the National Programme on the Response to HIV epidemic, http://www.armaids.am/photo/Action%20Plan%20for%20NP_eng.pdf 11. Culturally Appropriate HIV Bahaviour Change Communication in the Republic of Armenia, http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0018/001877/187747e.pdf 12. Trafficking in Woman and Children from the Republic of Armenia: A Study, September 2001, International Organization for Migration (IOM) 13. Armenian Lagislation on Trafficking in Human Beings, Lagislative Gap Analysis, May 2006, OSCE office in Yerevan 14. Trafficking in Human Beings in the Republic of Armenia, OSCE office in Yerevan, 2007 15. Trafficking in Persons in Armenia, Assessment Report, World Vision Armenia 16. Child Trafficking Phenomenon in Armenia, study in the scope of awareness of targeted children and public, People in Need, Yerevan 2010 17. Victims of Trafficking Assisted in Armenia , Booklet Compiling Data Gathered by Providers of Victims Assistance October 2003-March 2007 , Yerevan 2007 18. Woman’s Political Partisipation in the 2007 Parlamentary Elections in the Republic of Armenia, OSCE, AAWUE, Yerevan 2007 19. Woman Empowerment and Cooperation in Armenia with a focus on the Syunik Region, OSCE office in Yerevan, 2007 20. Gender Assessment, USAID Armenia, August 2010 21. Nationwide Survey on Domestic Violence Against Women in Armenia 2008-2009, United Nations Population Fund, Yerevan 2010 22. EXCERPT FROM THE P R O T O C O L OF THE RA GOVERNMENT SESSION, 11 February 2010, No 5 23. 2004-2010 Republic of Armenia National Action Plan on Improving the Status of Women and Enhancing Their Role in Society 24. Վելուծելով անցյալը , պատրաստ լինենք ապագային , UMCOR, Երևան 2007 25. Հայաստանում թաֆիքինգի զոհերին ցուցաբերված աջակցությունը , Գրքույկում արտացոլված են աջակցություն ցուցաբերող կազմակերպությունների տվյալները հոկտեմբեր 2003-դեկտեմբեր 2009 , Երևան 2010 26. www.armaids.am 27. www.armstat.am 28. www.worldbank.org.am

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APPENDIX 2

FGD Guide

Gender

1. What are the roles and responsibilities of women in the household – generate list of activities women do the whole day from morning till evening – similarly ask for men also. Analyse how women do so much work but it is not quantified in monetary terms. 2. How do women contribute to the community – how do men contribute in the community 3. How many women go for economic activities – (e.g. jobs in garment factory, teachers, govt. jobs, any other jobs) – what is the primary occupation of men 4. Who takes decisions in the house for children’s education, marriage, buying goods from market, assets like land, TV, motor bike, etc? Are women consulted at all? If there is a need to borrow money for buying any goods or articles, who decides and from whom. 5. If a family does not have enough money to send all children to school – who will get preference – the girl child or the boy child and why. Who is given preference for higher studies – girl child or the boy child? 6. Similarly if the family is poor – who will be given priority for food – girl or the boy? 7. Also, if children are sick, who is given medical attention on priority basis – the girl or the boy. 8. At what age do girls get married – at what age do men get married – do you know what is the official age at marriage for girls and boys? Who in the family decides when the girl is to be married – who approves the marriage. 9. For a married woman – who decides when to have a child – how many girls and how many boys – who decides on what family planning methods need to be used – whether the woman should use or the man. 10. Who collects fuel wood, who collects drinking water, how far do you have to go. 11. Do all houses have latrines – if not how far do you have to go – what problems do you face – ask separately for men and women. 12. Is there any program by NGO/Govt. for women’s development – any on micro enterprise, savings, micro credits - which helps in income generation and improving quality of life. 13. Do you think people should know about gender equality and women’s development – how should this information be delivered – who is best suited to inform and train communities (Govt./NGO) – what materials are best suited for developing awareness for prevention. What role can mass media play – radio/TV/Newspaper – which ones are more important you

HIV/AIDS

1 Have you heard about HIV/AIDS – what is HIV – what is AIDS – Can AIDS be cured? Where have you heard about it? 2 Do you know how HIV is transmitted – how will you know that you have been infected with the virus – do you have any idea about how you can get tested for HIV (where)? 3 When do people need blood-test – do you know what ‘window period’ is? 4 What do you think should be done to prevent HIV? 5 What is the impact of HIV – what is the impact of AIDS – how does HIV/AIDS affected families, communities and the country as a whole. Do you know of any families who have been affected – how is the community helping them – is there any treatment available for HIV/AIDS – where do people go for such treatment? 6 How can People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) get support – any NGOs/CBOs working here on these issues – have they involved people in any prevention program – if ‘yes’ what are these programs – has anyone in this group participated in any such program – can you tell us what you have learned – what is the most important thing that you remember – next – next. 7 What all do you think should people know – how should this information be delivered – who is best suited to inform and train communities (Govt./NGO) – what materials are best suited for

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developing awareness for prevention. What role can mass media play – Radio/TV/Newspaper – which ones are more important for you? 8 Where can PLHA get support? 9 Who do you think are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS – why?

Trafficking

1 Have you heard or have any information about ‘trafficking’ (sex trafficking, forced labour, etc)? What s the main source of the information? 2 Have you heard about any one going missing from the village – girls, boys, or children? What actions were taken by Commune Chief, the family and the community members? What would you do if you learn that there is a case like that in your community? 3 Is there any facility like hot line where you can give the message – in your experience, if you give information to police, how quickly do they act – how many people were arrested – what actions were taken against the arrested people - was the missing person traced and brought back – any support provided to victims. 4 Do have NGOs/CBOs working on such issues – did any of them get involved when information on missing person was notified. 5 Is there any NGO/CBO/Govt. dept. which come to generate awareness on trafficking - any actions taken to organise communities on trafficking. 6 What all do you think should people know – how should this information be delivered – who is best suited to inform and train communities (Govt./NGO) – what materials are best suited for developing awareness for prevention. What role can mass media play – radio/TV/Newspaper – which ones are more important you? 7 Little story, a situation that is more likely to be trafficking, discussion,

A man working abroad offers a 17 year old boy to leave the school and go with him to work abroad. The boy accepts the offer and starts working in a private company. Some months have passed but the boy didn’t receive any money and decided to quit the job and go back to Armenia. When he told the director about that, the director said he had paid a lot of money to his friend and that he could leave only after he returns all the money. A year passed, but the boy is still working in the same conditions.

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ARMENIA: NSRC INVESTMENT PROGRAM TRANCHE 3: TALIN-GYUMRI ROAD

APPENDIX 3

List of Persons Met

Name of the Name Position held organization 1 UMCOR Victoria Avakova Health and Anti-Trafficking Programs Coordinator 2 UNDP Marina Solakhyan National Expert on Border Management Issues

3 UNAIDS Manoela Grozdanova County Coordinator for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia 4 Hope and Help Enok Shatvoryan Director NGO 5 Democracy Today Hasmik Edilyan Project Coordinator NGO 6 National Center for Trdat Grigoryan Doctor AIDS prevention

7 World Vision Tamara Barbakadze Project Coordinator Armenia NGO 8 Real World Real Elmira Bakhshinyan People NGO Hovhannes Madoyan 9 Woman Resource Gohar Shahnazaryan Center NGO Lala Aharonyan 10 PINK NGO Mamikon Hovsepyan 11 National Center for Arshak Papoyan AIDS Prevention" SNCO 12 Ajakic NGO Heghine Mkrtchyan 13 Nor Serund NGO Sergey Gabrielyan

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