Red Cross to close Goris office, maintains active presence in Armenia

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has announced plans to cease operations at its field office in Goris, Armenia, by the end of this year.

Speaking to journalists in Goris, Head of the ICRC Delegation in Armenia, Daphne Marais, confirmed the move, stating that while the office will close, the organization remains committed to its mission in the country, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

"Tensions in the region have significantly decreased, and there are currently no signs of renewed escalation," Marais noted, adding that the ICRC’s decision comes amid increasing financial constraints facing humanitarian organizations worldwide.

"The global landscape for funding humanitarian programs has become more difficult, and we must adapt to new conditions," she added.

Marais emphasized, however, that the ICRC is not withdrawing from Armenia. “In any case, we are not leaving the country. We continue to remain quite active in the region, particularly in border areas, and will continue our work,” she said.

She further explained that, given Armenia’s relatively small geographic size, the organization can continue managing field operations — including in border regions — from its central office in Yerevan. The ICRC will continue to implement its programs nationwide, adapting them to the evolving needs on the ground.

By Vafa Guliyeva