On December 15–17, 2025, in Geneva, a delegation of the Republic of Armenia, led by Karine Sujayan, Head of the Department of Human Rights and Humanitarian Issues of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, participated in the conference dedicated to the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review.
Within the framework of the forum, Armenia participated as a speaker in three high-level panels. During the discussion dedicated to effective national responses to refugee flows, the Head of the Department of Human Rights and Humanitarian Issues highlighted the steps undertaken by the Government of the Republic of Armenia, emphasizing effective interagency coordination, key legislative initiatives, and the use of on-the-ground situation assessment mechanisms. She underscored the importance of ensuring a smooth transition from the initial humanitarian phase of crisis response to the humanitarian–development–peace nexus, noting that this process requires continued engagement and support from donor countries.
In the panel discussion dedicated to strengthening asylum systems, Armenia presented its achievements, progress, and existing challenges in this field. Ms. Sujayan referred in particular to the Electronic Asylum Case Management System introduced by the Republic of Armenia, as well as to the significant reduction in the number of stateless persons.
Within the framework of the forum, a side event titled “Implementing the Global Compact on Refugees in Armenia” was held at the initiative of the Armenian side. The event focused on the pledges undertaken by the Republic of Armenia and included a presentation and discussion of the measures taken by the Government of the Republic of Armenia to address refugee issues. Special attention was given to the document “National Framework for Inclusive Livelihoods for Refugees and Host Communities,” developed jointly with the UN Office in Armenia, which outlines the Government’s priorities for the upcoming three years.
The panellists included Karine Sujayan, Head of the Department of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia; Mira Antonyan, President of the Armenian Association of Social Workers NGO; Mariam Kobalia, Head of Regional Economic Inclusion Policy for the Caucasus at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD); Susan Klink, Senior Development Officer at the Regional Bureau for Europe of UNHCR; as well as representatives of civil society. The speakers presented their perspectives and the steps taken to support the Government of the Republic of Armenia in addressing refugee-related challenges.
The Armenian delegation also participated as a speaker in the high-level panel discussion on Multi-Year Financing for Refugee Education, during which it presented the experience of the Republic of Armenia.
During the visit, the Armenian delegation held several bilateral meetings, including with Philippe Leclerc, Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to discuss prospects for further cooperation.
