Statement by Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan in response to the report by the Director of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights at the meeting of the OSCE[...]

Mr. Chairperson,

The delegation of Armenia warmly welcomes Ms. Maria Telalian, Director of ODIHR, to the Permanent Council. We thank her for the insightful and substantial address. Responding to such a comprehensive statement is a challenge in itself, and we will therefore limit our remarks to a few points, without diminishing the importance of others.

Madam Director,

We share the view that multilateralism remains an essential instrument for peace and stability. The OSCE's unique space for dialogue must be preserved and nurtured, with the human dimension at its core, since there can be no security without respect for human rights.

OSCE participating States have agreed that human rights and fundamental freedoms are inalienable and the inherent dignity of every individual lies at the heart of comprehensive security. Yet, time and again, we witness how gross violations of these rights undermine stability and threaten peace, often becoming precursors to violent conflict.

The security of each participating State is inseparably linked to that of all others. We therefore cannot turn a blind eye to human rights situations anywhere in the OSCE area, as they have direct implications for us all. We have collectively agreed that the human dimension is a matter of direct and legitimate concern to every participating State. No country should be permitted to conceal human rights violations behind the thick veil of sovereignty.

We recognize that OSCE institutions operate in complex geopolitical environments and that their work is at times constrained by factors beyond their control. Nonetheless, ODIHR has been entrusted with the tools and mandate to advance human rights and human security where it is needed and not only where it is reachable. In this regard, we noted your observation, Madam Director, that "the vast majority of countries continue to constructively engage with ODIHR." While this is encouraging, we believe that the principle of indivisible security requires full and genuine cooperation by all participating States. Refusal to engage may itself serve as an early warning sign of non-compliance.

Even in such circumstances, the ODIHR can play an important role in addressing issues that do not necessarily require direct, on the ground engagement, such as reporting on the incitement and promotion of racial hatred and identity-based discrimination, including by public officials or institutions. Through its trial-monitoring activities, the Office can also observe instances of arbitrary destinations, and promote the right to security, equality before the law, and a fair trial for the detainees.

We also strongly believe that ODIHR's efforts to foster resilient and healthy democracies represent one of its greatest contributions to the prevention of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.

Civil society is indispensable in this regard. We therefore advocate for greater engagement of genuine, independent civil society actors in OSCE events. At the same time, we firmly reject the misuse of these platforms by fictitious NGOs that spread unfounded, hostile, or inflammatory narratives that fuel violence and conflict. The organizers of OSCE Human Dimension events should be guided by the Helsinki 1992 Document, which clearly stipulates that "persons or organizations which resort to the use of violence, or publicly condone violence," must not be permitted to participate. The tasking could not be more precise.

Finally, we appreciate ODIHR's recent report on anti-Christian hate crimes. Greater attention is urgently needed to this phenomenon, which is too often downplayed, underreported, or overlooked. Anti-Christian hate crimes, antisemitism, and islamophobia have no place in any democratic society.

Mr. Chairperson,

Armenia's cooperation with ODIHR is founded on open dialogue and partnership. Since the restoration of our independence, ODIHR has been an important partner in guiding our democratic reforms in line with OSCE commitments.

We value this partnership and remain committed to further strengthening and expanding it.

Thank you.