In the 49th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2025, Armenia’s human rights record came under significant international scrutiny. Key concerns were raised regarding the treatment of LGBT+ individuals, women, human rights defenders, and other vulnerable groups. Despite some legislative efforts, the country continues to face criticism for systemic shortcomings and inadequate protections.
LGBT+ Rights: Persistent Discrimination and Legal Gaps
A central focus of the UPR session was Armenia’s failure to explicitly protect LGBT+ rights. Twenty-six states, including Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, urged Armenia to adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that explicitly includes sexual orientation and gender identity as protected grounds. This call highlights the current legislative gap and the vulnerability of LGBT+ individuals to discrimination and hate crimes.
Iceland and Colombia emphasized the need for accessible, non-discriminatory legal gender recognition procedures for trans individuals, underlining the absence of such mechanisms in Armenia. The lack of clear legal pathways for gender recognition exacerbates the challenges faced by trans people in accessing services and legal protections.
Reports from civil society organizations, such as Pink Armenia, have documented numerous cases of discrimination, violence, and hate speech against LGBT+ individuals. In 2024 alone, 42 cases of human rights violations related to sexual orientation and gender identity were recorded, including instances of domestic violence, conversion practices, and denial of services.
Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence: Inadequate Protections
Multiple states urged Armenia to ratify the Istanbul Convention and criminalize gender-based violence, pointing to insufficient legal protection for women and domestic violence survivors. Norway and others stressed the need for prompt and independent investigations into gender-based violence and for robust legal frameworks to protect victims.
While Armenia has made some legislative progress, such as the adoption of amendments to the domestic violence law in April 2024, challenges remain. The revised law expanded the definition of domestic violence and removed the emphasis on “restoring family harmony,” which previously discouraged victims from reporting abuse. However, the country still lacks sufficient shelters and support services for survivors. Currently, there are only two shelters for domestic violence survivors, with a combined capacity to accommodate 24 women and their children.
Attacks and Lack of Protection for Human Rights Defenders
Norway and other states expressed concern over attacks, threats, and harassment against human rights defenders (HRDs), calling for independent investigations and accountability to ensure their safety and end impunity. Activists working on LGBT+ issues have reported being subjected to threats and harassment, particularly for their advocacy efforts. For instance, staff in the office of the Ombudsperson reported being subjected to threats, harassment, and verbal abuse, particularly for their work with LGBTI individuals.
Discrimination Against Vulnerable Groups: Broader Concerns
States recommended that Armenia redouble efforts to eliminate discrimination on all grounds, not just for sexual orientation and gender identity, but also for other vulnerable groups. This reflects persistent gaps in anti-discrimination enforcement and the need for comprehensive legal protections. The current draft anti-discrimination law, which has been under discussion since 2016, still lacks explicit references to sexual orientation and gender identity, leaving LGBT+ individuals vulnerable to discrimination.
Insufficient Legal and Judicial Reforms
Japan and others recommended that Armenia strengthen and implement its judicial and legal reform strategies to ensure effective protection of rights and access to justice for all, including marginalized communities. Despite the implementation of a new criminal code in 2022, local human rights organizations report that hate-crime articles are not applied in practice, and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity remains unaddressed.
Freedom of Expression, Assembly, and Association: Ongoing Restrictions
Several recommendations focused on guaranteeing the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, indicating ongoing concerns about restrictions or violations in these areas. In 2024, police used unlawful force against demonstrators during protests, resulting in injuries and detentions. Journalists covering the protests reported being injured due to targeted attacks and crowd crushes.
Barriers to Justice and Access to Services
Testimony from civil society at the session emphasized the lack of accessible, inclusive healthcare for trans persons and the need for public awareness campaigns and educational reforms to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion. The absence of legal gender recognition procedures and the lack of inclusive healthcare services for trans individuals further exacerbate their marginalization.
The 49th session of the UPR in 2025 highlighted significant concerns regarding human rights violations in Armenia.While some legislative efforts have been made, substantial gaps remain in protecting the rights of LGBT+ individuals, women, human rights defenders, and other vulnerable groups. The international community’s recommendations underscore the urgent need for Armenia to adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, ratify the Istanbul Convention, and implement effective legal and judicial reforms to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights for all.
