HRC 56th Session: Item 3: interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers

25 June, 2024

Delivered by Ms. Nelli Petrosyan, Human Rights Officer

President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report on the role of justice systems in safeguarding democracy. We concur that judicial independence plays an important role in securing participatory rights. It is in this spirit that Armenia has adopted the 2022-2026 Strategy for Judicial and Legal reforms, which encompasses different key measures for consolidation of the people-centered judicial system.

We fully agree with the SR that judicial and legal personnel should be able to carry out their duties without fear for their physical safety or freedom. The Criminal Code of Armenia ensures the safety and security of lawyers while they are carrying out their professional responsibilities. Article 490 of the Criminal Code protects them from various forms of harm, such as threats, violence, or the destruction or damage of their property.

We further agree with the SR that to be independent, a tribunal must be insulated from political interference by the government. The legislation of Armenia, on a constitutional level, protects the rights of advocates to practice their profession independently from any state interference. Intervention by state or local self-government bodies, officials thereof, political parties, in the practice of the profession of advocate shall be prohibited.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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