49th SESSION OF THE UPR WORKING GROUP
Statement Norway
on the human rights situation in Armenia,
delivered by Mr. Martin TORBERGSEN
Minister Counsellor, The Permanent Mission of Norway in Geneva.
Check against delivery
01 May 2025
Thank you President,
Norway thanks the delegation of Armenia for the presentation of its report and welcomes Armenia’s commitment to ongoing reforms in the fields of democracy and human rights, including strengthened dialogue with civil society. However, we remain concerned about the protection of human rights defenders, as well as violence against women and discrimination against vulnerable groups.
Norway recommends that Armenia:
1) Conduct prompt and independent investigations into attacks on human rights defenders to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and implement necessary measures to ensure their protection and prevent such attacks.
2) Ratify the Istanbul Convention without reservations and criminalise gender-based violence.
3) Include sexual orientation and gender identity in legal provisions prohibiting hate crimes and discrimination, ensuring protection for LGBT+ persons.
Thank you.