Statement in response to the Report by the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings as delivered by Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan at the 1545th meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council

11 December, 2025

Mr. Chair,

The Delegation of Armenia welcomes Dr. Kari Johnstone, the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in human beings to the Permanent Council and thanks her for the report.

The Delegation of Armenia values the mandate of the Special Representative and appreciates the vital role that it plays in strengthening co-operation across the OSCE and in advancing our collective efforts to prevent and combat trafficking in all its forms. We particularly commend the continued focus on human rights-based, victim-centered, and trauma-informed approaches, which are essential to ensuring that all measures taken by participating States place the dignity, protection, and empowerment of victims at the forefront.

Distinguished Co-ordinator,

We likewise commend the clear and forward-looking objectives you outlined in the report. We welcome the commitment to strengthen evidence-based analysis on the misuse of technology, to develop advanced tools to counter emerging threats including the evolving misuse of AI. We further praise the expanded cooperation with partners such as Interpol and the Bali Process, which will enhance targeted action and help participating States keep pace with technological change.

Mr. Chair,

The Government of Armenia is firmly committed to combating human trafficking, with efforts supported by seven action plans implemented over the past decade. Through these initiatives, Armenia has taken a multifaceted approach, recently enhancing its legal framework by amending the Labour Code to offer stronger protections against forced labor and trafficking. This legal reform underscores Armenia's efforts aimed at enhancing protections against forced labor and trafficking and creating effective policies that prioritize the needs and rights of trafficking victims.

In this regard we are happy to share with you that recently Armenia has ratified the landmark Convention 190 of the International Labor Organisation that focuses on violence and harassment in the workplace and various aspects pertaining to trafficking in persons.

Our country has a long track record of cooperation with international monitoring bodies. Armenia continues to prioritize strengthening its legal and institutional frameworks in collaboration with international partners to prevent and combat human trafficking and exploitation. We work closely with the Council of Europe’s monitoring mechanism under the Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings, particularly GRETA, and value its regular assessments, observations, and recommendations to strengthen our national prevention, protection, and prosecution efforts.

Let me emphasize that Cooperation with the OSCE is an important pillar of our work. Armenia actively participates in the OSCE’s annual anti-trafficking meetings, including those held jointly with the Council of Europe, which foster regional dialogue, good-practice exchange, and enhanced national capacities.

In closing, Armenia remains committed to working closely with the Special Representative to uphold the values and obligations that guide our common fight against human trafficking. And let me wish you Madame Co-ordinator, all the success in your efforts.

Thank you.

MFA RA
official website

Dual citizenship

Electronic visa

Visa applications