Securing democracy, human rights and the rule of law
6.1 Strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law contribute to Armenia’s national security. Reinforcing the rule of law and the principle of checks and balances through the separation of powers, as well as ensuring social justice and high levels of public trust in state institutions contribute to our stability and development.
6.2 An independent and effective judicial system is of strategic importance for strengthening justice and democracy. Armenia shall proceed with judicial reforms impacting both courts and prosecutorial and investigative bodies. Our objective is to ensure the effectiveness and independence of the judiciary, as well as the integrity and accountability of judges before the public, subsequently fostering public trust in the judiciary.
6.3 In Armenia, the individual holds ultimate value. We are committed to fully protecting the rights and freedoms of every person residing in Armenia, as well as fully integrating ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups into every area of public life and the system of state governance.
6.4 Considering that all manifestations of corruption as threats to the state, public security, and the democratic system of governance, Armenia has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. Our anti-corruption policy shall result in the creation and development of the institutional foundations for the prevention and detection of corruption, as well as setting high standards of conduct for state officials. We shall also promote anti-corruption education and awareness.
6.5 We are committed to continually improving the institutional mechanisms of free, fair, and transparent elections, as well as increasing public trust in elections.
6.6 The low level of women’s participation in various areas of social and political life—and especially in state governance—prevent Armenia from fully utilizing its human capital towards national security and sustainable development. The state shall, therefore, make sure to grant equal rights, opportunities, and conditions to women and men, as well as stimulate the integration and participation of women in political decision-making.
6.7 Armenia shall continue developing decentralized, effective, and transparent local government entities.
6.8 We ascribe importance to the development of civil society institutions, including trade unions defending labor rights and social interests. The state shall look to increase the involvement of civil society in political decision-making. Since civil oversight is an important guarantor of effective governance, the state shall encourage dialogue with society and expand cooperation platforms.
6.9 Armenia ascribes special importance to freedom of expression, pluralism, and an independent mass media. At the same time, zero tolerance shall be afforded to terrorism, extremist propaganda, discrimination based on race, ethnic or social origin, religion, sex, political or other views, or to hate-speech and incitements to violence.
