HRC 53rd Session: Item 3: interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers

26 June, 2023

Delivered by Mr. Henrik Yeritsyan, Second Secretary

President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report and thought-provoking insights on independent and fair legal and judicial systems. We concur that judicial independence has vital importance for the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is in this spirit that in July 2022 Armenia adopted a new 2022-2026 Strategy for Judicial and Legal reforms which encompasses different key measures for consolidation of people-centered judicial system.

We agree with the Special Rapporteur that autocratization as well as systemic inequalities and discrimination are among the priority challenges to judicial independence.

Azerbaijan is such a case in point. According to the most recent US State Department Report, judiciary in Azerbaijan “remains largely corrupt, inefficient, and lacks independence”. Judges and prosecutors take instructions from the Presidential Administration and the Justice Ministry.

There is no doubt that Azerbaijan prosecuted Armenian PoWs and civilian detainees in mock trails, solely guided by the will of the authorities of that state for purely political purposes. This was done in violation of the ICJ Order to protect Armenian POWs and detainees and ensure their equality before the law.

Special Rapporteur, we believe that such a conduct should get an adequate response from your mandate.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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