Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

statement667

Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 21st Session

Universal Periodic Review of Armenia

22 January 2015


Australia welcomes the commitment to human rights in Armenia which underpins the passage of the National Strategy on Human Rights Protection. Australia anticipates greater prominence being given to human rights due to the National Strategy and would be interested to receive a written update on its implementation.

Australia welcomes Armenia’s progress in implementing the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Australia recommends amendment of Armenia's Criminal Code to ensure it is consistent with the definition of the Convention, particularly the inclusion of acts committed by public officials.

Australia commends Armenia’s adoption of the Law on Ensuring Equal Rights and Opportunities for Men and Women. However, Australia remains concerned about gender based discrimination and violence, particularly the harassment of women’s non-governmental organisations by extremists. Australia recommends that Armenia take further steps to eliminate violence against women, including through accession to relevant international instruments, the robust domestic implementation of laws, and providing gender sensitive training to security and law enforcement agencies.

Finally, Australia is concerned about the failure to provide protection to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons in Armenia. Australia recommends the Armenian Government ensure appropriate training is provided to officials, and that law enforcement authorities carry out thorough and prompt investigations regarding attacks on LGBTI persons.