Statement by H.E. Andranik Hovhannisyan, Permanent Representative of Armenia on the OHCHR’s Human Rights Report 2022

14 June, 2023

Madam Moderator,

Armenia thanks the High Commissioner for presenting the UN Human Rights Report 2022. We appreciate the remarkable efforts of the OHCHR in promotion and protection of fundamental freedoms, gender equality, the rule of law, human rights education worldwide, and contribution to the advancement of the 2030 Agenda of the Sustainable Development.

We share the conviction of the High Commissioner that “common language of human rights can unite us and help us overcome the divisions that threaten our societies and our planet.” Many of the current challenges stem from the continued and periodic violations of human rights. Hence, the concerted efforts in ensuring unequivocal respect for human rights can guide us in overcoming modern risks and threats.

The turbulences are not that threatening if you have a skillful pilot. In this regard Armenia commends the Office for the Human Rights 75 Initiative. This is a visionary effort for both celebrating and revitalizing the UDHR. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person without any distinction whatsoever. These and many other provisions of UDHR remain as valid as 75 years ago.

Armenia took careful note of the OHCHR’s contribution to the promotion of peace and prevention of human rights violations and abuses in the contexts of armed conflicts and crisis situation. Indeed, our region too last year was torn by continued armed violence and breaches of IHL and IHRL. We agree that it is a significant challenge. We believe that the OHCHR can do more in addressing these threats, including on the ground. Human centered and rights-based approach can significantly contribute to conflict prevention and resolution efforts. In this regard, it is our conviction, that the OHCHR should enhance its engagement with other pillars of the UN Human Rights machinery, such as the Treaty Bodies and Special Procedure Mandate Holders, especially when it comes to sharing the information on existing or early warning signs of looming breaches of human rights.

We are glad that the genocide prevention is mainstreamed throughout the work of the OHCHR and is reflected in the Report both within the framework of thematic activities and the field projects. Since this year we mark also the 75^th anniversary of the Convention on Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, we hope that this theme and relevant activities will be more widely reflected in the next UN Human Rights Report for 2023.

Finally, we concur that the human rights challenges are becoming ever-more complex when it comes to new technologies, sophisticated spywares, online platforms and rapidly evolving artificial intelligence. We support the activities of the OHCHR in this regard, particularly when it comes to countering the hate speech, discrimination and dehumanization in digital space. These efforts can serve for building trust and confidence among the states and other stakeholders and contribute to the peace and stability worldwide.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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