Statement by Mr. Arsen Mikayelyan, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia at the 13th Meeting of the UNTOC COP Working Group on Firearms

11 May, 2026

Delegation of the Republic of Armenia

13th Meeting of the Working Group on Firearms

Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime

May 11-12, 2026

Mr. Chair,

At the outset, we would like to express our gratitude to you and Secretariat for the excellent preparation of the meeting.

The Republic of Armenia reaffirms its commitment to the effective implementation of the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.

Offences related to the illicit trafficking and circulation of firearms are criminalized under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia, which establishes criminal liability for the illegal acquisition, sale, possession, storage, transportation, transfer or carrying of firearms, their essential components, ammunition, cartridges for rifled firearms, explosives and explosive devices.

Preventing and combating firearms-related crime has remained one of the key priorities of the law enforcement authorities of the Republic of Armenia in recent years. In 2025, as a result of operational and preventive measures, as well as awareness-raising and outreach activities, a total of 445 firearms were removed from illicit circulation. Of these, 193 firearms were seized by law enforcement authorities, while 252 firearms were voluntarily surrendered following explanatory and outreach activities. Persons who voluntarily surrender firearms are exempt from criminal liability in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia.

Government Decision No. 758-N of 14 May 2020, entitled “On Approving the Procedure for the Transfer to the Police, Acceptance and Destruction of Confiscated, Seized, Voluntarily Surrendered or Found Weapons, Essential Components of Firearms or Ammunition (including those lacking a certificate of conformity),” establishes the procedures governing the transfer, receipt and destruction of such items.

The Decision regulates the procedures for the acceptance by the armory of the Police of Armenia of weapons and ammunition seized, confiscated, found by law enforcement authorities or voluntarily surrendered by legal entities and natural persons.

The Law of the Republic of Armenia “On the Regulation of Weapons Circulation,” which entered into force on 1 June 2023, defines a deactivated firearm as a firearm that has been rendered permanently inoperable and unsuitable for firing. The deactivation of firearms is being carried out only by legal entities holding the appropriate manufacturing license.

At the same time, Armenian legislation establishes criminal liability for the illicit manufacture, modification or repair of firearms, their essential components, ammunition, explosives or explosive devices. In particular, Article 336, paragraph 1, of the Criminal Code criminalizes the unlawful repair or modification of firearms, including actions aimed at restoring operability in violation of the law.

The Republic of Armenia remains committed to strengthening international cooperation and exchanging good practices in the prevention and combating of illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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