RA Deputy FM raises issue of Armenian POWs held in Baku in Geneva

ArmInfo. On May 1, in Geneva, within the framework of the 49th Session of the Working Group on the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the discussion on Armenia's National Report for the Fourth Cycle was held.

The report touched upon the developments, challenges, and prospects  in the field of human rights in Armenia over the past four and a half  years. Its preparation was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign  Affairs of Armenia, with the active involvement of all relevant  government agencies and through public consultations.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Abisoghomonyan headed the  delegation of Armenia to the 49th UPR session. The delegation also  included Anna Karapetyan, the Deputy Minister of Justice, Tatevik  Stepanyan, the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Artur  Martirosyan, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and  Sports, Lena Nanushyan, the Deputy Minister of Health, Aram  Meymaryan, the Deputy Minister of Environment, along with  representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry  of Internal Affairs.

During the session, the delegation of Armenia presented a  comprehensive report of the implementation of recommendations  received during the previous review cycle.

In his opening remarks, head of the delegation of Armenia Robert  Abisoghomonyan presented progress achieved in Armenia in realizing  economic, social, cultural, political, and civil rights over recent  years.  Deputy Foreign Minister drew attention to the challenges  faced by Armenia during the reporting period, including the issues of  forcible displacement of 115,000 people from Nagorno-Karabakh, the  release of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian hostages illegally  detained in Azerbaijan and the revealing of the fate of missing  persons and  enforced disappearances.

The review of Armenia's National Report for the Fourth Cycle garnered  significant interest from the international community.  Representatives from nearly 100 member states delivered statements,  largely emphasizing the progress of Armenia in human rights and  acknowledging the legislative and systemic reforms undertaken in  recent years.

The delegation of Armenia reiterated the Government's strong  commitment to advancing its reform agenda, guided by the principles  of transparency, accountability, participation, and inclusivity.