On January 22, the second discussion of the 4th Cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR) National Report of the Republic of Armenia was held in Yerevan with the participation of all interested structures, non-governmental and international organizations. Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Armen Ghazaryan, Deputy Minister of Justice Anna Karapetyan and UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia Françoise Jacob participated in the meeting and delivered opening remarks.

The 4th Cycle Report of the Universal Periodic Review reflects on the developments of the past 4.5 years, including legal, political and institutional reforms aimed at promoting and protecting human rights, as well as the obstacles and challenges Armenia encountered during the implementation of the envisaged steps or international commitments it assumed.

Karine Sujayan, the Head of the Human Rights and Humanitarian Issues Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented the structure of the report, the priority of the selection of topics, and the work carried out by Armenia in the sphere of human rights on international platforms during the reporting period.

The participants exchanged views on a wide range of issues regarding human rights,  particularly the process of implementing the recommendations accepted by Armenia during the previous review, and addressed the issues on civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, as well as the rights of specific groups in need of protection. Representatives of civil society came up with a number of comments and additions to the draft report.

Particular attention was drawn to the fact that in accordance with the Decree of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia of November 18, 2024 N1031-A, the National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow up (NMIRF) was established in Armenia, which includes representatives of the executive, legislative and judicial branches. This platform is open to the participation of the Human Rights Defender and representatives of non-governmental organizations.