I am proud to state that even in most trying times Armenia continues to make progress in consolidating and strengthening its democratic institutions, enhancing judicial independence, and combating corruption to build a more equal and just society. This was noted by Armenian foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan in his statement at the High-level Segment of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

Mirzoyan added as follows, in particular “We have recently established the National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow up of human rights commitments and obligations and view it as an important domestic mechanism to mainstream rights-based approach in all policy areas. Later this year Armenia will be presenting its 4th Universal Periodic Review, which has been concluded based on numerous rounds of consultations between governmental and non-governmental actors.

Armenia remains steadfast in its commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights domestically and globally. We strive to provide platforms for diverse voices and find solutions to the most acute issues of human rights and humanitarian domains. In this regard, last year, in December Armenia hosted the 5th Global Forum against the Crime of Genocide. The Forum gathered officials, eminent experts, representatives of international organizations, UN Special procedure mandate holders, civil society and academia who looked at the role that small states can play in shaping and moving forward the prevention agenda, examined the evolution of the UN early warning and early response mechanisms, focusing on the necessity to improve operational and policy coherence. Participants also deliberated on functions and roles of various regional and global organizations as well as global judicial bodies, and discussed the gaps of overall multilateral architecture.

Armenia also hosted the 8th Ministerial Meeting of the Ancient Civilizations Forum, placing the protection of cultural heritage at the core of its discussions.

Next year will have pivotal importance for my country and our commitments to advance global environmental goals as the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) will be taking place in Armenia. We attach utmost importance to organizing an inclusive Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Armenian Presidency will strive to organize a successful conference with full and meaningful participation, including civil society, academia, indigenous people, local communities, women and youth organizations and other relevant stakeholders. Armenia looks forward to cooperating with the UN member states, civil society and non-governmental organizations in the effective organization of this crucial international environmental conference to bring the global environmental processes back on track for sustainable development and true inclusivity when it comes to multi-stakeholder participation.”