The “Amanor” program was established in 2000. Over $200,00USD has been allocated to this program in Lebanon, Syria, Armenia, Artsakh, Javakhk, Bulgaria, and South America. Through the “Amanor” program, Christmas and New Year celebrations are organized and gifts are distributed to seniors and needy children.
The following organizations receive funds from this program: The “Birds’ Nest” of Lebanon, The Armenian Home of the Aged, the “Zvartnots” School for Afflicted Children, the “Badsbaran” and the Senior Home of Syria, the Artsakh “Soseh” Kindergartens, Children’s Homes of Armenia on the receiving list of the ARS “One-Day’s Food” program, children in Javakhk considered needy by the local ARS, “Soseh” Kindergartens of Bulgaria, and the two ARS Senior Homes of South America.
In the last two years, the ARS Canada has been allocating additional funds to the “Amanor” program to provide jackets and sweaters to students of Armenian Schools in Syria as a New Year present.
New York is the headquarters for the UN, and so it is here that the ARS has the largest team of representatives. Major annual meetings include the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the Commission on Social Development, and the Commission on Population and Development. New York is also the headquarters for UN Women and the Department of Public Information (DPI), which is the information center for NGOs. While the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is now based in Geneva, most meetings are still held in New York, its former base.
The ARS has been participating with United Nations activities since 1975. In 1978, the ARS was granted DPI status, and on May 28, 1998, the ARS was granted consultative status in the Roster category with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Consultative Status is a phrase whose use can be found during the founding of the UN and is used within the UN community to refer to NGOs in Consultative Status with the UN ECOSOC. Having Consultative Status is a privilege granted to only a select few NGOs. ECOSOC status provides NGOs with the opportunity to participate at UN conferences and events, make oral and written statements at these events, organize side events, enter the UN premises, and have the opportunity to network and lobby with diplomats, UN staff members and other NGO representatives.
DPI status is another privilege granted to NGOs within the UN system by the Department of Public Information (DPI). NGOs granted DPI status are given access to the UN premises and permitted to attend meetings, conferences and events. Unlike ECOSOC status, NGOs with DPI status do not have the additional benefits of making oral and written statements.
The Committee on Non-governmental Organizations, also known as CoNGO, based in Geneva and New York alternately, was established 66 years ago to support NGOs within the UN system. Its mission is to facilitate, through various means of development, a dynamic and informed world-wide NGO Community able to influence policies and actions at all levels of the United Nations. On April 4, 2014 during the Conference of NGO’s General Assembly, Armenian Relief Society was elected as an Executive Member of the CoNGO Board from 2014 to 2017.
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The ARS “Mother and Child” Health and Birthing Center was established in 1997. The Medical Center serves the Akhourian regional community which has a population of around 40,000. The Center registers more than 1,200 births annually. The ARS provides financial support to ensure healthy births at the Center through its “Sponsor a Birth” program.
The Center is equipped with technical facilities such as Ultra Sound and X-Ray equipment which provide diagnostic services. Moreover, pediatric, obstetric and gynecological services are provided by the medical staff. Expectant mothers are provided with education about parenthood, healthy living and personal hygiene.
By the decision of the Republic of Armenia Health Ministry, on April 10, 2014, in appreciation of high quality services, the “Mother & Child” Health and Birthing Center was granted the “Title of 2nd Highest Degree” in the Medical Assistance field.
