Remarks by Mher Margaryan, Permanent Representative of Armenia, at the High Level Plenary Meeting on the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders

18 դեկտեմբերի, 2018

Madam President, Madam High Commissioner,

I would like to join my voice in thanking you for convening this meeting and to acknowledge the distinguished speakers for their insightful contributions.

Since its adoption 20 years ago, the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders has provided an important legal framework to individuals and groups to stand up against injustice, while advancing human rights, and strengthening collaboration between governments and civil society, local and international institutions.
2018 also marks the 70th anniversary of two landmark documents - the Genocide Convention and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This is yet another milestone to recommit ourselves to cooperation for dialogue, peace and reconciliation and to step up collective efforts for upholding human rights and human dignity. These anniversaries are also an important reminder about the critical role of protecting and promoting human rights in carrying out the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and fostering global environment in which all people exercise their fundamental freedoms, free of discrimination on any grounds.

The objective of protection of human rights and human dignity is as relevant and important as ever. Systematic and gross violations of human rights, the use of force and coercion of any type, lack of international protection are among the main factors fueling the increased risks to life.

Madam President,

Armenia remains strongly committed to advancing prevention, including the prevention of identity based discrimination, mass atrocities and the crime of genocide. We highlight the important role of the Human rights defenders in acting as preventive mechanisms in identifying early warning signs of deteriorating human rights situations on the ground. We strongly condemn all forms of attacks, violence, threats and intimidation against human rights defenders and human rights activists, including journalists, reporters and media workers.

Upholding human rights and human dignity has been at the center of the fundamental democratic transformation in Armenia, as manifested by the peaceful Velvet Revolution in April-May this year. In what has been identified by the UN Secretary-General as a fantastic example of peaceful transfer of power, the youth and women in Armenia stood at the forefront of the non-violent, democratic process, in full exercise of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, as recently acknowledged also in the observations by the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.

Strengthening the rule of law, and fostering meaningful participation in civic life, on behalf of all groups, including women and youth, strengthening the rule of law, independence of judiciary, fighting corruption and promoting equal and fair conditions for participation in political, economic and social life have been at the core of the transformative changes in Armenia. We strive to translate these priorities into actions in our domestic agenda as well as internationally. With this in mind, Armenia has presented its candidacy for the Human Rights Council membership for the years 2020-2022.

Madam President,
The ongoing reform of the United Nations system embraces the overarching agenda of the UN Secretary-General to prioritize prevention with a more proactive approach. Armenia is resolute to continue to contribute to the multilateral efforts to advance the mutually reinforcing agendas on prevention of grave violations and the protection and promotion of human rights.

I thank you, Madam President.

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