Statement by Mrs. Zoya Stepanyan, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of Armenia to the UN, at the UNGA73 Third Committee / Agenda item: 73 – Rights of peoples to self-determination - ՄԱԿ-ում Հայաստանի մշտական ներկայացուցչություն

Statement by Mrs. Zoya Stepanyan, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of Armenia to the UN, at the UNGA73 Third Committee / Agenda item: 73 – Rights of peoples to self-determination

30 հոկտեմբերի, 2018

Mr. Chair,

My Delegation wants to thank the Secretary General for his timely report on the Rights of peoples to self-determination.

We believe it contains important highlights on the rights of peoples to self-determination as one of the fundamental collective human rights which is strongly linked to the right of free expression of will, the right to development, political, economic and cultural rights. It is unfortunate that today there are situations where this legally binding norm that is enshrined in universal human rights instruments is being denied.

We would like to express our firm belief in people’s right to self-determination and commitment to upholding the right of people to determine their own destiny. By virtue of this right, all people should have the indivisible freedom to determine their political status and freely pursue their own choice of social, cultural and economic development.
The very existence of United Nations and the expansion of its membership over the years is the best reflection of the realization of the rights to self-determination. As we are well aware, the principle of self-determination is prominently included in Article I of the United Nations Charter, thus marking the universal recognition of this important principle as a fundamental component of international norms. The right to self-determination is also recognized in a number of other international and regional instruments such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Thus, it is crucial to underscore that the principle of self-determination is a fundamental component of international law which has universal application, as it has been agreed upon by member states.

The Republic of Armenia reiterates the importance of upholding and promoting the binding and universally recognized nature of the right to self-determination as a fundamental norm of international law at the highest merit, without any hierarchical or preferential approaches. We resolutely reject any arbitrary interpretations of universally recognized international law, particularly as it relates to the people’s right to self-determination.

There have been cases of use of force against the realization of the right to self-determination of people, which evolved into mass atrocities and grave human rights violations. Special attention should be given to the creation of conducive environment for the people to exercise their right to self-determination. The use of force can only exacerbate the situation and eventually trap the parties into protracted conflict.

Employing early warning mechanisms is essential for the prevention of humanitarian crisis, inter alia via combating racial discrimination, intolerance and hate speech. It is unfortunate that we still witness manifestations of racism, xenophobia and national hatred in certain countries. It is important to encourage specific discussions and actions for the promotion of tolerance and dialogue on the local, national, regional and international level. International community should also be very prompt in responding to those that elevate xenophobia to the level of national ideology and make it the central pillar of their governments’ conduct.

Mr. Chair,

The people of Nagorno Karabakh have exercised their right to self-determination in full conformity with the existing legal system of the time as well as in full respect of all international norms. The Nagorno Karabakh conflict is a result of the outright denial of a universally recognized fundamental human right: the people’s right to self-determination. The people of Nagorno Karabakh have chosen their destiny and exercised their fundamental right to determine their own choice of governance, as well as social, cultural and economic development․ Today, Nagorno Karabakh has created genuine democratic society, where the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, vocal opposition and vibrant civil society are very well in place.

Mr. Chair,

By the way of conclusion we would like to quote the SGs report that “the effective implementation of the right of peoples to self-determination will contribute to greater enjoyment of human rights, peace and stability, and thereby prevent conflict.”

I thank you Mr. Chair

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