HRC47: Statement by the Delegation of Armenia during the Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Assembly and of Association

01 July, 2021

July 1, 2021

HRC 47^th Session: Item 3 – Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Assembly and of Association

Delivered by Ms. Armine Petrosyan, Second Secretary

President,

Armenia welcomes the Special Rapporteur and thanks for the presentation of reports.

We concur with the importance that Mr.Voule attaches to the unobstructed access to justice in the context of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.

In our region we had cases when rallies were organized by a state to target both domestic opposition and to support its external political narratives, including on the use of force. Even that was later used as a pretext for prosecuting dissidents who were not physically present at those rallies for their alleged organization.

It is our conviction that the education and access to information play a key role in the realization of freedom of assembly. In this regard, we appreciate that Special Rapporteur highlighted the efforts of Armenia in raising awareness on the rights of participants of assemblies, including through trainings provided to police officers. Our relevant authorities have consistently been following up the recommendations made by SR upon his visit to Armenia in 2018.

Last month Armenia held parliamentary elections. According to the international observation team led by OSCE/ODIHR, the fundamental rights such as the freedoms of assembly were generally respected throughout the campaign, and contestants were able to campaign freely throughout the country.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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