Draft of National Strategy on Human Rights Protection of the Republic of Armenia considered

Today, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the Government held a consultation during which the draft of the National Strategy on Human Rights Protection of the Republic of Armenia and the 2020-2022 Action Plan deriving from the Strategy were considered.

Minister of Justice Rustam Badasyan noted that the development and adoption of the Action Plan derive from the 2019-2023 Action Plan of the Government of the Republic of Armenia and a number of international commitments assumed by the Republic of Armenia, including from the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. According to the Minister, the Strategy has undergone the stage of inclusive discussions throughout the entire territory of the Republic, more than a dozen events have been organised, the Strategy has been considered with the participation of civil society, most of the recommendations of stakeholder agencies have been accepted, and active work has been implemented with the Office of the Human Rights Defender as well. Rustam Badasyan noted that the Strategy assesses the current state of human rights and the previous Action Plan and earmarks the main principles and priorities for the next three years. It is envisaged to establish a monitoring group comprising representatives of state bodies and civil society in order to oversee proper implementation of the Action Plan. It is also envisaged to create an electronic platform for implementation of the National Strategy.

The participants exchanged views on the document, discussed a number of issues regarding the Action Plan and made comments and suggestions.

The Prime Minister assigned to revise the draft by summing up the recommendations made during the consultation and submit the draft to the Government for consideration within a short period of time.