Statement by the Delegation of Armenia - Ms. Varduhi Melikyan, Counsellor of the Permanent Mission at the UN Security Council Open Debate “Advancing Adaptability in UN Peace Operations – Responding to new Realities” - Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United Nations

Statement by the Delegation of Armenia - Ms. Varduhi Melikyan, Counsellor of the Permanent Mission at the UN Security Council Open Debate “Advancing Adaptability in UN Peace Operations – Responding to new Realities”

24 March, 2025

Mr. President,

We thank the Presidency of Denmark for convening the Security Council open debate on the theme of Advancing Adaptability in Peace Operations with the view to respond to new realities. We would like to thank Secretary-General António Guterres and the briefer from the International Peace institute for their comprehensive presentations outlining the activities of UN peace operations, challenges in implementing their mandates and ways to strengthen their efficiency.

Peace operations remain one of the most effective tools in maintaining international peace and security. In the context of current geopolitical challenges, including use of force and threats of force, active military build-up, violent rhetoric and disinformation, multinational/UN peace operations may play a stabilizing role, reducing the risk of escalation.

In the Pact for the Future member states have recognized the interdependence of international peace and security, sustainable development and human rights. The peace operations need to have a proper mandate, capacities and expertise to address the peace and security issues in a comprehensive manner, taking into account the aspects of human security, humanitarian, human rights situation, protection of vulnerable groups, food security, access to means of subsistence.

The Security Council needs to apply a tailor-made approach in designing the peace operations in various regions to ensure that their mandates correspond to the realities and security threats on the ground. At various stages of conflict cycle from conflict management to post-conflict rehabilitation, reconstruction and peacebuilding the mandates of peace operations need to be reviewed to address the evolving situation and shift from such activities as ceasefire monitoring, arms control, DDR, life-saving humanitarian needs to a stronger focus on human rights, long-term socio-economic development, rule of law, access to justice and reconciliation.

We attach importance to engagement of the Security Council with relevant UN bodies and specialized agencies in shaping and reviewing the mandates of the peace operations, with the aim to identify the risks and challenges on the ground and incorporate the humanitarian, development, human rights and human security perspectives into its activities, in line with the concept of comprehensive security.

Mr. President,

Armenia has actively contributed to UN-led and UN-mandated peace operations in Lebanon, Kosovo, Mali, Afghanistan and Iraq. Armenian peacekeepers in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), alongside their international partners, remained on the ground throughout the recent escalations in Lebanon. Despite the security challenges, they continued to fulfill their peacekeeping duties, demonstrating Armenia’s commitment to international security and stability.

Armenian peacekeepers in Kosovo continue to contribute to the maintenance of peace and security in Western Balkans. In July 2023, when tensions were high and there was a risk of escalation Armenia increased the number of its peacekeeping personnel in Kosovo.

From its own experience, Armenia realizes the importance of genuine peace efforts to promote peace and stability. As a responsible member of international community Armenia will continue its engagement in international peacekeeping and peacebuilding initiatives and operations, to achieve just and sustained peace in conflict affected countries and regions.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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