Armenia evaluates pathways regarding ILO Convention No. 102

Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102)

Armenia evaluates pathways regarding ILO Convention No. 102

Armenia deepens engagement with ILO Convention No. 102 through consultations, a tripartite workshop and strengthened dialogue.

31 March 2026

YEREVAN (ILO News) - Armenia has taken significant steps to explore the provisions of the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102), through consultations and a tripartite workshop organised by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on 25 March 2026.

The ILO hosted capacity-building activities on international social security standards and a tripartite workshop during which key stakeholders assessed how the Armenia's law and practice measure up against the provisions of Convention No. 102. Convention No. 102 is widely considered the global blueprint for building comprehensive, adequate and sustainable social protection systems. More than 30 participants attended the workshop, including representatives from Government, social partners, development partners and UN agencies.

The workshop responded to an official request from the Armenian Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and examined eight core areas of the nation's current system: medical care, sickness, old-age, employment injury, family, maternity, invalidity and survivors' benefits.

"Strengthening social protection systems is central to advancing inclusive growth, social cohesion and resilience"

She emphasized that improving the nation's social protection framework aligns directly with Priority I: Human Capital and Wellbeing of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2026-2030, a strategic roadmap agreed upon between the Government of Armenia and the United Nations.

Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Lusine Kocharyan echoed this importance, highlighting that this exercise is essential for analysing the system with the ultimate objective of eliminating all forms of poverty. "Social protection and health care should be regarded as public goods that must benefit the entire population," Kocharyan said.

The move toward assessing ratification has drawn tripartite support. Representatives from the Republican Union of Employers of Armenia and the Confederation of Trade Unions of Armenia both underscored that aligning with the convention would not only strengthen social dialogue across the country, but it can serve both to protect workers and boost labour productivity.

Following the workshop-which was organized under a broader ILO initiative to address informality amid the region's refugee crisis-stakeholders identified specific areas requiring legislative revisions. This collaborative effort aligns with the ILO's global ratification campaign to promote the ratification and effective implementation of Convention No. 102, underscoring Armenia's steadfast commitment to international labour standards. With further consultations scheduled, the government and social partners are actively paving the way to explore pathways for potential ratification in the future.