Statement by Ms. Sofya Simonyan, Deputy Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN, at the UN Security Council Open Debate on “Strengthening multilateralism and the role of the United Nations”

09 նոյեմբերի, 2018

Mr. President,

Armenia would like to express appreciation to the Chinese Presidency for convening today’s open debate and for providing the concept note. The theme of the current session is, indeed, central to addressing the global problems and challenges that require multilateral action. Restoring humanity, sustaining peace and respecting human dignity are important priorities, which can only be achieved through concerted efforts and coordinated response.

Systematic violations of human rights, denial of past crimes and impunity, the use of force and economic coercion, as well as the lack of international protection are among the main factors fueling risks and instabilities. Tendencies of radicalism and exclusion as well as the rise of intolerance and hate speech have been increasingly infusing the international agenda, distorting the global discourse and fostering political and social divides. Particularly troubling is the conspicuous decline in the international commitment to multilateralism and respect for human rights at a time when we need more international cooperation and stronger capacities for this.

The recent report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization demonstrates a need to stronger commitment to multilateralism as an effective instrument in addressing the multitude of global challenges and disturbing realities that the world is facing. The report is a stark reminder that those challenges cannot be addressed by individual states in isolation. Multilateralism is not an end in itself but a necessity in achieving the shared objectives of peace and prosperity. Collectively, we should all do more to help mitigate situations of crisis where the basic human rights, including the right to life of the human being, are increasingly challenged. This necessitates a reinforced emphasis on the capacity of multilateral institutions to deliver adequate response.

Mr. President,

We support the Secretary-General’s efforts to prioritize prevention in the ongoing reform of the United Nations system. Armenia is duty bound and resolute to contribute to this concept, with a focus on the early action to prevent grave violations. Our track record is well known. The UN resolutions tabled by Armenia serve the purpose of elaboration of strategies for the prevention of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The adoption of the GA resolution designating the 9th of December as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime is a powerful manifestation of responsible multilateralism with a consensual and substantive outcome. 2018 marks the 70th anniversary of the Genocide Convention and the Declaration of Human Rights which is yet another milestone to reaffirm our collective determination to fight impunity and prevent recurrence of human suffering. Upholding human rights remains a global imperative, relevant as ever. Armenia has presented its candidature to the Human Rights Council to recommit to resolute multilateral efforts in promoting human rights and human dignity.

Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms has been at the center of the fundamental democratic transformation in Armenia, as manifested by the peaceful Velvet Revolution. The domestic transformations that took place in Armenia in May this year demonstrated the commitment to embrace, decisively, policies for inclusion, equal rights and opportunities, development and peace at the national, regional and international levels.

Mr. President,

In addressing the challenges for multilateralism, it is important to highlight the centrality of strong collaboration with regional settings, platforms and formats, while excluding duplication of efforts. Well-established and internationally mandated formats within regional organizations have the potential and capacity in addressing the complex challenges, especially in situations of conflict. The effective utilization of regional arrangements for pacific settlement of disputes is prescribed by the UN Charter. Armenia welcomes the unwavering and continued support of the UN system and the Secretary General to the mediating efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship of France, the Russian Federation and the United States for the negotiations of the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The ability of the international community to remain consistent in supporting agreements reached within the mandated formats and helping reinforce a mediated solution is of critical importance for upholding the vision and the practice of responsible multilateralism and shared peace.

Multilateral institutions offer platforms where member states, regional organizations and civil society can discuss, agree or disagree on solutions to global problems that no nation acting alone can resolve. Multilateralism provides important avenues to conduct discussions, identify and broaden the areas of potential agreement. Working together is not optional; it is the only way forward, therefore, patient, yet, resolute engagement in addressing mutual concerns and disagreements remains an important objective, to which we are fully committed.

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