9th meeting of Dialogue on Human Rights between Armenia and EU was  held

ArmInfo.On May 16, the 9th meeting of the Human Rights Dialogue between Armenia and the European Union was held, which was the first meeting in the EU-Armenia format, after the new elections of the Prime Minister.

According to the press service of the MFA, Armenia and the EU  reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, the rule of law, human  rights, fundamental freedoms and common values for both sides. These  principles underlie the Agreement on Comprehensive and Enhanced  Partnership signed on November 24, 2017, and on May 11 unanimously  ratified by the Armenian parliament. The European Union noted its  readiness to work with the new government of Armenia and to support  these key areas.

Among other issues, Armenia and the European Union discussed issues  related to electoral reform, freedom of assembly and expression,  gender equality, and labor rights. As for the electoral reform, the  European Union proposed to amend the legislation before the early  elections in accordance with the proposals of international  organizations and the commitments undertaken by Armenia.

The parties stressed that freedom of assembly is a universal and  fundamental freedom. The European Union welcomes the peaceful nature  of the recent protests, as well as the general restraint shown by all  parties. In the course of the dialogue, freedom of speech and media  pluralism were identified as prerequisites for democratic elections.  Armenia reaffirmed its commitment to the adoption of comprehensive  anti- discrimination legislation in accordance with international  standards, as well as the creation of a national body on equality.

The Armenian government, in conjunction with civil society  organizations, will hold interactive public hearings aimed at  ensuring the effective implementation of the National Action Plan on  Human Rights, in the sphere of labor law, the Armenian side noted  that it plans to reform the labor inspection system in accordance  with international standards, working time, wages and workers'  rights.

The EU reaffirmed its readiness to provide financial and technical  assistance to Armenia, which is necessary to continue reforms aimed  at further strengthening democratic institutions and human rights.