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NGOs in NKR:
The Challenges of Non Governmental Organizations in an Unrecognized Republic
By Gayane Mkrtchyan
ArmeniaNow.com
January 9, 2006Non Governmental Organizations in Nagorno-Karabakh say they lack enough information to effectively operate as their compatriots in Armenia, but are working to be better organized. “We have just started to unite, we want to coordinate our efforts and create an NGO resource center in order to be aware of one another and help each other if necessary,” says Disabled Children NGO chairperson Anna Asatryan.
The children’s organization was founded in 2000 and involves 427 children from different regions of Nagorno-Karabakh. They are mainly disabled or unattended children, children who have only one parent or no parents at all. A recent meeting was an occasion for the leaders of the NGOs to reach agreements regarding their further collaboration. Regional Development Center NGO member, Artsakh University student Artyom Hakobyan finds that NGOs can achieve success if they are united. Alone an organization is unable to change anything.
As many as 118 NGOs are registered in Stepanakert today, of which only 15 actually work. The first NGO was Hayk’s Union, established in 1992. Civil Initiatives Center NGO chairman Albert Voskanyan says that many institute a seal, open an office, successfully receive grants, but still do not have an idea of what the principle of an NGO’s work is. As a result, they are closed within a month.
Asatryan, for her part, complains: “I am surprised when they say: I have decided to set up this organization, but deciding alone is not enough. It takes months and years to move towards this goal, and you should feel that you can really carry this burden on your shoulders till the end rather than simply open a workplace for yourself. We have NGOs that stop at once as soon as they encounter difficulties.” Voskanyan cites the example of their organization and says that people work there on a voluntary basis. “When we were just launching, I told my partners – either we will sit and wait for someone to give us money, which could last one week or years, or we’ll work and show that we’re doing a job. There is no saying: ‘Give us money and you will see what we will do.’ One has to prove his worth for society by what he creates,” says Voskanyan.
“Those in Stepanakert know well the organization that really works. After all, NGOs facilitate the state’s concerns,” says Art for Peace and Development and Legend NGOs’ co-chairperson Manushak Titanyan. Legend was established in 2000, to work with young people. They consider that the link with them was cut off during the years of war and there were many shortcomings. The main goal of the organization is to restore the forgotten traditions, develop external links, to teach them what to do in extreme situations, to acquaint them with the cultures of other peoples. Computer centers were opened in Hadrut and Togh.
“We want to contribute to the recognition of each other. Our children have not seen an Azeri, they do not know whether they are good or bad, but they must recognize them. Whether we want it or not, they are our neighbors. Relations are bad. In this regard, we want to open regional camps, say, in Georgia where Armenians and Azeri children will spend their holidays together,” says Titanyan.
And Artyom says that as many young people as possible must be involved in similar organizations, as the problem of their employment is of great concern. “What is the situation of youths in Stepanakert today? They spend time in Internet clubs, playing games. It sounds extreme, but if we do not deal with this problem, tomorrow we will have potential criminals. I find that NGOs must contribute to the creation of conditions for the employment of young people. Let’s allow them to develop, to show themselves,” he says.
Nevertheless, one problem concerns everyone – it is difficult to work in a country that has no international recognition. Asatryan says: “It is difficult to unfold activities in such conditions. If the international community recognizes the NKR, then it will be easier for us.” And Voskanyan says that they submit their annual reports to the Council of Europe. “We are in practical relations with them. We cooperate with many international Non Governmental Organizations. We prove that although we are not recognized, democracy is still developing in Karabakh.”
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