Statement by H.E. Mr. Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN, at the UNGA80 High-Level Meeting on the appraisal of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons

24 November, 2025

Mr. President,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

Human trafficking remains one of the most serious transnational crimes and a grave violation of human rights. Despite the progress achieved under the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, new evolving forms of trafficking underscore the urgent need for the sustained, coordinated, and multilateral action.

Armenia reaffirms its strong commitment to eradicating all forms of human trafficking and exploitation. Guided by the Law “On Identification of and Support to Persons Subjected to Trafficking and Exploitation” and the National Program for Combating Human Trafficking and Exploitation, Armenia implements a comprehensive, victim-centered, rights-based approach.

Preventive measures remain a top priority for us. Each year, the Government provides financial support through grants to selected NGOs, enabling them to deliver social support services to victims, as mandated by legislation. National coordination is strengthened through the Council on Combating Trafficking in and Exploitation of Human Beings, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, and its Working Group, which oversee policy implementation, inter-agency cooperation, and monitoring.

Since 2004, Armenia has implemented seven consecutive National Action Plans, aimed at raising public awareness, developing institutional capacities and strengthening mechanisms for identifying and responding to trafficking cases, as well as improving the existing legislation. The eighth National Action Plan for 2026–2028 is currently under discussion and is expected to further reinforce a coordinated and evidence-based national response.

Armenia has a long-standing record of cooperation with international monitoring bodies in its efforts to address all forms of human trafficking. A key partner in this regard is the monitoring mechanism under the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, particularly its Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), which regularly evaluates Armenia’s progress. We welcome GRETA’s visits and carefully consider its recommendations to enhance victim protection, prevention, and prosecution efforts.

In April 2025, GRETA conducted a country visit to Armenia under the Fourth Evaluation Round. The findings of the visit, together with additional information submitted by national authorities, will form the basis of GRETA’s Fourth Round Evaluation Report on Armenia, expected in 2026.

We also cooperate closely with the United States Department of State in the context of the annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. According to the 2025 TIP Report, Armenia demonstrated increased efforts and remains on Tier 2. Additionally, Armenia engages with the OSCE in regional anti-trafficking initiatives, including joint meetings with the Council of Europe, facilitating capacity-building, exchange of best practices, and multi-stakeholder coordination.

Mr. President,

Armenia remains fully committed to strengthening its anti-trafficking framework and ensuring that all victims receive the protection, support, and justice. We underline the critical importance of sustained regional and international collaboration to advance the implementation of the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons and to respond effectively to the evolving nature of this crime.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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