Statement by the Delegation of Armenia, Ms. Sofya Margaryan, Counsellor at UNGA 79 Third Committee, under agenda items 69(a), entitled Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophopbia and related intolerance, and item 69(b)

04 November, 2024

Mr. Chair,

We thank the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance for her presentation.

Discrimination undermines the fundamental principles of justice and equality presenting significant challenges to the protection and realization of human rights.

At the national level, Armenia is actively working to eliminate unfair and discriminatory practices through significant legislative reforms aimed at effectively addressing hate-motivated actions, including those perpetuated via media and digital platforms. Recent amendments to the Criminal Code have established a robust framework that reinforces criminal liability for acts of discrimination and incitement of hatred or violence based on racial, ethnic, or social origin, religious beliefs, or other personal or social characteristics. Additionally, the Criminal Code criminalizes public calls for violence and the promotion of such acts.

Our legislation also prohibits discriminatory content in audiovisual media, mandating adherence to broadcasting standards that promote representation and inclusivity. Anti-discrimination provisions are also integrated into employment legislation to ensure fairness and equal opportunities in the workplace.

Mr. Chair,

To further strengthen protections against racism and discrimination, Armenia is developing the Law on National Minorities, in line with the standards of the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on National Minorities. This draft law prohibits discrimination based on national minority status and mandates actions to ensure equal access to opportunities.

The issue of discrimination is also explicitly addressed in the draft Law "On Child Rights and Child Protection System," which mandates comprehensive protection for all children, regardless of their circumstances. The key focus on combating discrimination is further reflected in several strategic frameworks, including the Programme on the Protection of the Rights of a Child, the recently developed Demography Strategy and the Gender Equality Strategy.

In another important legislative development, Armenia is in the final stages of drafting a Law on Ensuring Equality and Protection from Discrimination. This legislation aims to broaden the mandate of the Human Rights Defender by establishing a dedicated equality body to oversee and promote anti-discrimination measures across various sectors. Together with other legislative and policy initiatives, this comprehensive anti-discriminatory framework will serve to enable better protection of the rights of all individuals.

Mr. Chair,

Armenia recognizes the importance of special measures aimed at achieving equality. We are committed to implementing targeted strategies to eliminate disparities, having detailed some of our efforts in our latest submission to the Special Rapporteur’s report on special measures.

Notably, Armenia is working to uphold inclusivity through measures that prioritize cultural and linguistic diversity and accessibility in education for national minorities. This involves consistent support for minority languages, as well as targeted interventions to better support national minority children and youth in fulfilling their potential. The 2023-2027 strategy for the preservation, development, and popularization of Armenia’s culture places special emphasis on the cultural heritage of national minorities and the preservation of its immovable monuments.

Armenia actively engages in treaty body reviews, submitting regular reports that track progress and assess the impact of anti-discriminatory measures, including through regular engagement with the Council of Europe’s European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) and the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD). It is our belief that international mechanisms play a crucial role in addressing systemic racism, promoting accountability, and reinforcing international standards of human rights. Armenia’s case instituted before the International Court of Justice under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination further demonstrates our country’s commitment to combat systemic injustices and to uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals.

Armenia remains steadfast in combating racism and intolerance both at the national and international levels, while fostering cooperation to this end.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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