HRC 57th Session Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanisms

President,

Armenia welcomes the panelists and thanks them for valuable insights.

In recent years, Armenia has made significant strides in the Global Gender Gap Index, achieving a gender parity score of 72% in 2024 and ranking 64th out of 146 countries. This makes Armenia the highest-ranked country in the region.

Gender integration in human rights investigations, particularly from a victim-centered perspective, is a key part of Armenia's broader commitment to advancing human rights, promoting gender equality, and addressing gender-based violence. The Armenian government, in collaboration with civil society organizations, has established essential support services for victims of gender-based violence, including shelters, hotlines, and legal counseling, to prioritize victims' needs and protect their rights.

Additionally, we provide gender-sensitivity training for law enforcement officials, investigators, and the judiciary to ensure a victim-centered approach in handling cases of domestic violence and sexual harassment, aiming to prevent re-traumatization during investigations and the judicial process.

The Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia has recently initiated the implementation of the Gender Equality Seal (GES) for public institutions. This specially developed methodology supports government bodies in embedding the gender equality provisions of SDG 5 into domestic legal frameworks by adopting gender-sensitive approaches in their mandates.

Thank you.