"Promoting Human Rights Protection and Strengthening National Institutions" Programme inaugurated — Deputy Minister presents progress of implementation of the National Strategy

Deputy Minister of Justice Karen Karapetyan delivered opening remarks at the event inaugurating the EU-funded "ATHENA: Advancing the Human Rights Agenda and Enhancing National Authorities” project, which is being implemented by the UNDP, the United Nations Population Fund and the United Nations Children's Fund. In his remarks, the Deputy Minister attached importance to the colleagues support for smooth implementation of the activities in the strategic directions of the Ministry of Justice in the field of human rights protection and related sectors.

The Deputy Minister touched upon the implementation of the National Strategy for the Protection of Human Rights and the 2023-2025 Action Plan, including actions targeted at the protection and promotion of political and civil, social-economic rights, the ensuring of a discrimination-free environment, the improvement of the relevant legislation and law-enforcement practices, as well as public awareness.

Karen Karapetyan particularly touched upon the process of finalising the draft Law "On ensuring of legal equality and protection from discrimination" in light of the expert opinion of the Council of Europe and discussions with stakeholder government agencies and non-governmental organisations.

Karen Karapetyan highly appreciated the UNDP support for betterment of the mechanisms for implementation of the actions that are being planned and being implemented under the Action Plan of the National Strategy for the Protection of Human Rights, monitoring and accountability of the Plan and for organising of the activities of the Co-ordinating Council, expressing special gratitude to the project team.