HRC 52: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders

15 March, 2023

Delivered by Ms. Nelli Petrosyan, Human Rights Officer

Mr. President,

Armenia thanks the Special Rapporteur and welcomes the focus of the report on the achievements and success stories of human rights defenders.

There is no doubt that achievements of the human rights defenders should be celebrated not least since the best practices can inspire societies elsewhere, especially in such States which practice severe prosecution, arbitrary arrests and abductions of human rights defenders. Such countries should remain under the scrutiny of the international watchdogs. The consistent non-compliance should signal about ongoing human rights violations. We have extreme cases in this regard, including one in our region, where a State failed to respond to as much as 12 communications of the special procedure mandate holders on grave situations of dozens of human rights defenders.

As a traditional co-sponsor of the resolution both in this Council and the General Assembly, Armenia highly values the role human rights defenders play in the promotion and protection of fundamental freedoms.

Democracy Index of the Economist Intelligence Unit ranks Armenia as a leader of the region based on several findings, including on political participation, political culture, and civil liberties.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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