The OSCE Secretariat bears no responsibility for the content of this document PC.DEL/881/26 and circulates it without altering its content. The distribution by OSCE 22 September 2026 Conference Services of this document is without prejudice to OSCE decisions, as set out in documents agreed by OSCE participating States. ENGLISH only
STATEMENT on the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances delivered by Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan at the 1577th meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council
17 September 2026
Mr. Chair,
The Delegation of Armenia thanks the European Union for raising the current issue on the occasion of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
This year carries particular significance as we mark the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. It remains the only universal treaty specifically dedicated to this issue. This year also marks the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s becoming a State Party to the Convention, following its ratification in January 2011.
These anniversaries provide an important opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to the Convention’s universal ratification and its full and effective implementation, and, above all, to ensure that the rights of victims to truth, justice and reparation remain at the center of our efforts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Armenia marked this occasion with a statement honoring the memory of all those who have gone missing and reiterating solidarity with their families.
Armenia remains firmly committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Convention. Enforced disappearance is criminalized as an autonomous offence under Article 451 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia. Just days ago, on 14 September, Armenia presented updated information on its implementation of the Convention before the 31st session of the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances and engaged in a substantive and constructive dialogue with the Committee.
Another significant milestone in our national efforts was reached in May 2026, with the entry into force of the new Law on Persons Who Have Gone Missing under Conditions and Circumstances Resulting from Military Operations. The UN Committee welcomed this important step. The law strengthens the legal framework concerning missing persons and their families by providing, inter alia, for the right of relatives to receive timely and reliable information, the obligation of the State to search for missing persons and clarify their fate and whereabouts, and the participation of families in relevant procedures.
For Armenia, this is not an abstract matter. Families of missing and disappeared persons continue to endure the profound suffering caused by uncertainty over the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones. We believe that the peace established in our region has created more favorable conditions for constructive cooperation on this important humanitarian issue.
Armenia remains committed to engaging at both the bilateral and multilateral levels to prevent and eradicate enforced disappearances and to address this matter as an exceptional humanitarian concern.
Thank you.