Remarks by Ambassador Mher Margaryan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the United Nations at Informal interactive dialogue on “Preserving human dignity in armed conflict: Promoting compliance with international humanitarian law”

28 January, 2025

Madam Moderator,

I would like to thank the President of the General Assembly for convening today’s meeting on the important topic of human dignity in armed conflict. I also thank the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the distinguished panelist for their interventions.

Promoting compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) is essential to protecting those caught in conflict and in the aftermath of armed hostilities. Armenia reaffirms its full and unconditional commitment to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, which reflect the collective responsibility to ensure that humanity prevails, even amidst the darkest times. The role of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) remains indispensable in ensuring the preservation of dignity through the protection of civilians, the facilitation of humanitarian access, and the safeguarding of the rights of those impacted by conflict.

Indeed, when the principles of IHL are ignored or violated, the consequences are farreaching. The lack of enforcement and accountability emboldens bad actors, erodes trust in the rule of law, and weakens international mechanisms and institutions. For considerable time now, we have been observing detrimental precedents that challenge the integrity of IHL which in turn encourages some to disregard their obligations.

Madam Moderator,

Colleagues,

Impunity breeds repetition—a phrase echoed countless times, in different terms and wordings, yet it goes on unabated. Our own experience painfully illustrates the consequences of international inaction. The continued imprisonment of Armenian captives by Azerbaijan, their sham trials and mistreatment is an undeniable case of gross violation of international humanitarian law and human dignity.

In the face of the alarming rise in violations of IHL, it is imperative that the United Nations steps up to its responsibility to address these grave breaches. The credibility of international mechanisms depends on their ability to act and to prevent further degradation of the principles of humanity.

As a member of the International Criminal Court, Armenia is resolute in its commitment to the international humanitarian law and international criminal law. Upholding the rules of IHL is not just a necessity —it is an act of justice and a reaffirmation of the faith “in the dignity and worth of the human person”, as it is enshrined in the UN Charter.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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