Statement by Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan the 13th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime

19 October, 2026

Distinguished President of the Conference,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Allow me to begin by congratulating you, Distinguished President, and the other officers of the Conference on your election. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation for the honour of serving as a Vice-President of this Conference. We further extend our gratitude to the Secretariat for its valuable work in preparing and facilitating this session.

The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols remain essential instruments in our collective efforts to prevent and combat transnational organized crime. At a time when criminal networks increasingly operate across borders, exploit technological advances and adapt rapidly to new realities, effective responses require not only strong and modern national institutions, but also robust and relevant international cooperation and the sustained and timely exchange of information.

Mr. President,

Among other objectives of the Convention, Armenia continues to strengthen its national capacities to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, the smuggling of migrants, and the illicit trafficking in firearms. In addressing trafficking in persons, particular attention is given to the early identification of victims and individuals at risk, the prevention of child exploitation, and enhanced cooperation among law enforcement authorities, social services, educational institutions and civil society.

Armenia also attaches particular importance to strengthening operational capacities to combat the illicit trafficking in firearms, their parts and components, and ammunition. In this regard, the participation of Armenian police officers in the international operation Trigger X – Eastern Europe and Central Asia, conducted in Armenia this year, as well as in related training organized by INTERPOL, has contributed to strengthening national expertise in firearms identification, investigative techniques and the use of international information systems.

Combating the smuggling of migrants remains another important priority. Although Armenia does not currently face large-scale irregular migration flows, evolving migration routes and the transnational nature of criminal networks associated with it, underscore the need for a proactive and coordinated approach. In this context, Armenia has strengthened its cooperation with Europol through the use of the Secure Information Exchange Network Application (SIENA), facilitating more effective information exchange and operational coordination. Armenia is also pursuing reforms to strengthen migration management, document security and border control.

Mr. President,

Armenia remains deeply concerned about the threats posed by transnational organized crime. As one of the world’s ancient nations, with a cultural heritage spanning thousands of years, Armenia advocates for strengthened international efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property and related offences. We are also concerned about the recruitment and financing of terrorism, which pose serious challenges to international peace, security and the rule of law.

Experience has shown that criminal networks exploit gaps in cross-border coordination and that delays in obtaining information and evidence can significantly hamper investigations and prosecutions. Bilateral cooperation, international and regional partnerships and multilateral mechanisms must therefore be mutually reinforcing. These efforts should be complemented by targeted technical assistance, specialized training and the effective implementation of the Convention and its Protocols.

Mr. President,

Armenia remains firmly committed to contributing actively to our collective efforts and stands ready to further strengthen cooperation with all partners in pursuit of preventing and combating transnational organized crime.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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