HRC 50th Session: Decisions and conclusions General Comment on the draft resolution The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association (A/HRC/50/L.20) Delivered by H.E. Andranik HOVHANNISYAN, Permanent Representative

08 July, 2022

7 July 2021

HRC 50^th Session: Decisions and conclusions

General Comment on the draft resolution The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association (A/HRC/50/L.20)

Delivered by H.E. Andranik HOVHANNISYAN, Permanent Representative

President,

As a traditional co-sponsor of the resolution on the Rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Armenia extends its appreciation to the core group, namely Czech Republic, Indonesia, Lithuania, Maldives, Mexico and United States, for presenting the text, conducting inclusive and constructive negotiations and leading the resolution to a consensual adoption.

Health emergencies of past several years regularly imposed the need to strike a delicate balance between public safety and many fundamental freedoms, especially the right to freedom of assembly.

Building also on that experience, we believe that the resolution captures specific challenges and opportunities that information and communication technologies and digital space can provide for realization of these rights. The text also stresses the vulnerabilities that may lead to violations and abuses such as unlawful surveillance, internet shutdowns and other undue restrictions on fundamental freedoms. Armenia appreciates the highlights on civil society actors and media workers as well as recommendations to create conditions and enabling environment for their activities in relation to peaceful assembly and association.

My country is undertakings wide ranging reforms, analysis and changes in legislation and practice, introduction of new models, such as model of negotiating police. We welcome the extension of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur as an important mechanism for international engagement and cooperation.

Mr. President,

A number of individual and collective rights are conditioned by the full and equal realization of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. We look forward to future evolution of this important resolution.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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