The 49th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Armenia, held in May 2025, was the venue for discussing a number of key human rights issues and developments relevant to Armenia. At this 49th UPR session, Armenia was acknowledged for having made progress in terms of legislative and institutional reforms; the independence of the judiciary; anti-corruption initiatives; and reforms to protect vulnerable groups. Yet the review also revealed many challenges, such as discrimination, support for displaced persons, and the further incorporation of norms set out in international human rights instruments.
Moreover, Armenia’s National Report for the Fourth Cycle was discussed on May 1 in Geneva as part of the 49th Session of the Working Group on the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR).
The study discussed the advancements, difficulties, and opportunities in Armenia’s human rights area during the previous four and a half years. With the full participation of all pertinent government departments and via public discussions, the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs oversaw its development.
The major issues raised during the review
Armenia reports unprecedented difficulties from the last review in 2020. Among them are the pandemic, military violence, displacements in mass, one of which would be the forced displacement of more than 11500 from Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023, and, of course, attacks on its sovereign territory. Such crises have stretched Armenia to the limit and point toward how extensive support for vulnerable persons will be needed.
Independence, efficiency, and integrity were also reported on in relation to judicial practice. There is currently an 80% drop in backlogged civil cases, and the establishment of an International Arbitration and Mediation Center by 2023. Anti-Corruption Measures: Armenia adopted the Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2023-2026 and, therefore, strengthened the Corruption Prevention Commission besides improving mechanisms for integrity checks and asset declarations.
This review included the rights of persons with disabilities (including adoption of a rights-based legal framework and better services), children (new draft law, expanded family-based care, prevention of child marriages), and women (Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for 2025-2027): An humanitarian concern: Armenia again raised the issue of missing persons and presented the enforced disappearances along with the detention of Armenian prisoners of war and detainees in Azerbaijan emphasizing the need for international cooperation and compliance with human rights law.
Key recommendations and proposals
The UK and other states have also recommended that Armenia enact comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, particularly to guard against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and also against hate crimes and hate speech targeted at LGBT+ persons. Armenia was further urged to ratify the Istanbul Convention to strengthen the protection of women against violence and domestic abuse.
Proposals were made to Armenia to create and implement community-based service plans to establish better facilities for persons with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities. It was recommended that the thrust of judicial reforms and anti-corruption efforts be maintained, along with efforts to bolster the independence and capacities of oversight institutions.
UNHCR and other stakeholders stressed that refugees and other displaced people still need support and integration, including access to services such as social care and health. Armenia was encouraged to continue cooperating with UN human rights bodies, treaty mechanisms, and civil society to allow for systematic implementation and follow-up on UPR recommendations.
