HRC56: Statement of Armenia at the ID with Special Rapporteur on Belarus

Delivered by Ms. Lilit Toutkhalian, Minister Extraordinary and Envoy Plenipotentiary

President,

Armenia takes careful note of the report by the Special Rapporteur on Belarus. We reiterate that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. and the states have the primary responsibility to promote, protect and fulfil those rights in line with their obligations and commitments.

We deplore to note that the situation with human rights and fundamental freedoms in Belarus continues to deteriorate. Addressing the allegations of serious and systematic human rights violations requires cooperation and engagement of authorities with the human rights machinery of the United Nations.

It is with deep concern that we have to acknowledge that democratic deficit and highly restrictive civic space also directly influence the security situation in our region where arms transfers from Belarus facilitated violence, war, ethnic cleansing, and gross violations of human rights.

Armenia is genuinely interested in the strengthening of democratic institutions in Belarus, based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Thank you.