Statement by the delegation of Armenia at the UNGA81 Sixth Committee under agenda item “Status of the Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts”

16 October, 2026

Madam Chair,

The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols represent a collective commitment to preserving humanity in the midst of armed conflict. Armenia reaffirms its steadfast commitment to international humanitarian law and to the fundamental principles enshrined in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols. Their nearly universal acceptance reflects the international community's common recognition that the protection of persons affected by armed conflict is a fundamental obligation that must be upheld in all circumstances.

In this context Armenia calls for universal adherence to the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. We also strongly support the initiatives aimed at continuously strengthening and progressive development of the IHL. With this in mind Armenia has joined the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law.

Madam Chair,

We took note of the report of the Secretary-General on the status of the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts, submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 79/123.

The continuing relevance of the Additional Protocols must also be considered in conjunction with the development and application of customary international humanitarian law. The fact that a State is not party to a particular treaty does not, in itself, place its conduct outside the framework of international humanitarian law.

In this regard, my delegation recognizes the valuable work of the International Committee of the Red Cross in documenting and disseminating developments in customary international humanitarian law.

This is particularly important with respect to the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty during armed conflict. The legal status and treatment of persons captured during armed conflict must be determined and implemented in accordance with the applicable rules of international humanitarian law. All persons deprived of their liberty in connection with armed conflict must be treated humanely, with full respect for their dignity. The relevant provisions of IHL concerning their release and repatriation must likewise be fully respected.

We also recognize the importance of protecting cultural property during armed conflict. Cultural heritage constitutes an essential part of the identity and history of peoples and communities. Its destruction or misappropriation can have consequences extending far beyond the immediate effects of hostilities. Parties to armed conflicts must therefore comply fully with the applicable rules protecting cultural property.

As efforts to consolidate peace in our region continue, a number of outstanding humanitarian issues remain to be addressed. These include the continued detention of 19 Armenians, the fate and whereabouts of missing persons and cases of enforced disappearance. Addressing these issues in accordance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law will contribute to building trust and supporting reconciliation in the region.

Madam Chair,

The effective implementation of the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols requires more than formal adherence. It requires practical measures at the national level.

Armenia continues to integrate IHL into the training of its armed forces and relevant state institutions. Under the 2025–2026 Joint Action Plan between the Ministry of Defense and the ICRC, IHL courses have been conducted across army corps, including pre-deployment training, lectures for military cadets and senior officers, and training for Border Guard personnel.
Armenia has promoted IHL expertise among military and diplomatic personnel through specialized training and publications. In November 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ICRC held a workshop on the diplomatic relevance of IHL․
In March 2026, Armenia adopted a dedicated Law on Persons Missing in Circumstances Resulting from Military Operations, which entered into force in May 2026. The law establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the search for missing persons, the collection and management of relevant information, the identification of human remains, and the protection of the rights and interests of missing persons and their families. In December 2025, Armenia adopted its Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for 2025–2027, providing targeted support for women and children affected by conflict, strengthening mechanisms to address conflict-related violence, and promoting civil-defense preparedness among women and girls, particularly in border communities.

Madam Chair,

My delegation reaffirms its full support for the continued strengthening of international humanitarian law and for efforts to ensure its effective implementation.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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