On December 10 the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United Nations organised a side event dedicated to International Human Rights Day, entitled “The 70th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights: marking achievements, rethinking challenges”.

The Panel discussion chaired by Mher Margaryan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN, included Belinda Cooper, Adjunct Professor, Institute for the Study of Human Rights, Columbia University, Mr. Khatchig Mouradian, Lecturer, Middle East, South Asian and African Studies, Columbia University and Danica Damplo, Head of Universal Rights Group NYC Office.

The panelists shared their views on current global human rights challenges including threats against fundamental freedoms and civil liberties, the prevention of atrocity crimes as well as the role of United Nations, its relevant bodies and procedures in upholding Human rights.

In his remarks the Armenian Permanent Representative emphasized the role of Human Rights Declaration as the main reference point for the promotion and protection of human rights in the world. He referred also to the 70th Anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and its links and synergies with UDHR. He mentioned that Armenia consistently has sponsored resolutions on the Prevention of Genocide, which were adopted unanimously by the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council.

The Permanent Representative emphasized that the Government of Armenia, has embarked on the implementation of the reform agenda aimed at protection and promotion of human rights and freedoms, strengthening democracy and the rule of law, fighting corruption. He noted also that free and fair elections were at the top of the Government’s priorities which was exemplified by the Parliamentary elections held in Armenia on December 9 as testified and reported by international observers and media.

Underlining that Armenia strives to translate priorities of protection and promotion of Human Rights and fundamental freedoms into actions in its domestic as well as international agenda, the Permanent Representative announced the launch of Armenia’s campaign for the Human Rights Council membership for the term 2020-22.

The representatives of Member States, various UN bodies and civil society organizations participated in the meeting.