“We have achieved significant results in the implementation of the Action Plan 2019-2022. We are grateful for the support of the donors. Armenia is firm in its commitment to the full implementation of the Action Plan,” stated Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia, Avet Adonts at the opening of the first Steering Committee meeting of the Armenia-Council of Europe 2019-2022 Action Plan on 7 July 2020. The meeting was held by video conference.  

Verena Taylor, Director of the Office of the Directorate General of Programmes of the Council of Europe thanked the Armenian partners involved in the implementation of the Action Plan as well as Council of Europe’s colleagues in Yerevan and in Strasbourg for their commitment. “The efficient continuation of the implementation of the Action Plan during the health crisis was possible due to the quick and efficient revision of the work plans.” she added.

The meeting brought together 85 participants including Paruyr Hovhannisyan Permanent Representative of Armenia to the Council of Europe, high-ranking representatives of the Armenian authorities, involved in the implementation of Action Plan projects, as well as the representatives of the Council of Europe Secretariat and the Council of Europe Office in Yerevan.

The participants exchanged views on the state of implementation of the projects in the areas of protecting and promoting human rights, ensuring justice, the rule of law and democratic governance. They positively assessed the progress of the Action Plan and confirmed their readiness to continue its implementation.

The Council of Europe 2019-2022 Action Plan for Armenia was adopted in January 2019 and officially launched in Yerevan in June 2019. The Action Plan is implemented by the Council of Europe Office in Armenia in cooperation with the relevant national stakeholders. Action Plan projects are backed by the European Union, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Fund to End Violence Against Children, Ireland and Liechtenstein.