HRC 50th Session: Item 3 – Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association: Delivered by H.E. Andranik HOVHANNISYAN, Permanent Representative - Embassy of Armenia to Switzerland and Permanent Mission of Armenia to the UN office at Geneva

HRC 50th Session: Item 3 – Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association: Delivered by H.E. Andranik HOVHANNISYAN, Permanent Representative

29 June, 2022

17 June 2022

HRC 50^th Session: Item 3 – Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association

Delivered by H.E. Andranik HOVHANNISYAN, Permanent Representative

President,

Armenia warmly welcomes SR Clément Nyaletsossi Voule. We took note of the Follow up report on his visit to Armenia and appreciate recommendations put forward.

Despite tremendous difficulties imposed by the pandemic and the splash of aggressive belligerence against Armenian people, our country demonstrated democratic maturity and unwavering respect for civil liberties.

Wide ranging reforms are indeed ongoing and we appreciate the close collaboration with international partners in this regard.

Coming to one of the concerns expressed in the report, let us inform that recently Government decided not to propose the “grave insults” provision to the Criminal Code. It was not meant to limit the freedom of expression, but, rather, to reduce verbal abuse and aggravated forms of insults. Armenia occupies leading position in terms of pluralism and freedom on the net according to a number of international rankings, such as the Economist Intelligence Unit and Freedom House.

We are convinced that strong and consolidated democratic institutions are making our country stronger and more resilient to the pressing challenges. Armenia reiterates its support to your mandate and stands ready to follow up on a number of recommendations you offered.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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