Statement by H.E. Mr. Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the United Nations, at the ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment

17 June, 2026

Mr. President,

Excellencies,

We meet at a time when humanitarian needs are reaching unprecedented levels. Armed conflicts, climate-related and other disasters continue to drive displacement, deepen vulnerabilities, and place immense pressure on humanitarian systems worldwide. Against this backdrop, preserving predictable, sustainable, and adequately resourced humanitarian financing has become more important than ever.

Deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, the denial of international humanitarian assistance, and persistent violations of international humanitarian law continue to undermine the very foundations of humanitarian action. Equally concerning are the inhuman and degrading treatment of prisoners of war, as well as the continued denial of access to international humanitarian actors, including the International Committee of the Red Cross. Such practices not only exacerbate human suffering, but also erode respect for international humanitarian law, foster impunity, and undermine prospects for sustainable peace and reconciliation.

Mr. President,

Having experienced the profound consequences of humanitarian crises, Armenia remains convinced that humanitarian action must be accompanied by sustained efforts to promote recovery, build resilience, and create conditions for long-term inclusion.

The influx of approximately 131,000 refugees from Karabakh since 2020, including a significant influx of more than 115,000 within a matter of days in September 2023 has further strained the national resources and capacities. In close partnership with the United Nations agencies, the Government of Armenia has implemented policies aimed at the protection, inclusion and long-term integration of refugees and other vulnerable groups through approaches anchored in the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. This includes the “Lessons Learned Exercise on Refugee Response and Coordination”, “Operationalizing the Humanitarian-Development Nexus in Armenia,” and the “Inclusive Livelihoods National Framework for Refugees and Host Communities”. Together, these initiatives seek to promote durable pathways by facilitating refugee inclusion in national systems, fostering social cohesion, and addressing both immediate needs and longer-term development challenges. They place particular emphasis on access to adequate housing, employment and livelihood opportunities, skills development, inclusive social protection, and quality public services, while strengthening the resilience of both refugees and host communities.

Mr. President,

Member States, parties to conflict, the United Nations, and humanitarian organizations must ensure full respect for and adherence to the humanitarian principles. Humanitarian organizations must uphold the principle of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence in their operations. In this regard, strengthening the capacity of the United Nations to prevent and respond to humanitarian emergencies, while ensuring timely and effective assistance on the ground, remains essential to safeguarding human rights and dignity, particularly in situations of armed conflict.

Armenia remains committed to supporting collective efforts aimed at strengthening the effectiveness, sustainability, and impact of humanitarian action and ensuring protection and assistance for all those affected by crises.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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