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STATEMENT in response to the Address by the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross delivered by Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan at the 1580th meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council
8 October 2026
Mr. Chairperson,
Armenia warmly welcomes H.E. Ms. Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, to the Permanent Council and thanks her for the substantive address.
We highly appreciate the indispensable role of the ICRC in promoting respect for international humanitarian law and alleviating the suffering of people affected by armed conflict. The principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence remain essential to effective humanitarian action and to ensuring protection and assistance to those most vulnerable to the consequences of war. Armenia firmly believes that international humanitarian law must be respected universally, consistently and without selectivity. The credibility of the international humanitarian system depends not only on the existence of legal norms, but also on their effective implementation and on accountability for violations.
We attach particular importance to the protection of humanitarian space and to ensuring safe, timely and unhindered humanitarian access. Humanitarian organizations must be able to carry out their work without intimidation, obstruction or undue interference. The protection of civilians, persons hors de combat, medical personnel and humanitarian workers must remain a fundamental obligation, and not a matter of political choice.
It is in this spirit that Armenia joined the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law. We agree with you that it is an unprecedented effort to reinvigorate commitment to respect for the rules of war and for translating its principles into concrete measures. Mr. Chairperson,
Armenia has a long history of cooperation with the ICRC. This cooperation has been shaped by the devastating consequences of armed conflict and has sought to alleviate human suffering, provide humanitarian protection and assist those affected by war.
Our support for and appreciation of the humanitarian work of the ICRC therefore stems from direct and tragic experience. It is authentic and genuine. We have first-hand knowledge of the truly indispensable contribution of the ICRC and its personnel, their dedication, professionalism and courage. Addressing the humanitarian consequences of conflict would be unthinkable in the absence of such a trusted humanitarian partner as the ICRC.
At the same time, humanitarian needs do not disappear with the cessation of active hostilities. They persist during peace and require sustained attention and engagement.
Among the humanitarian issues of particular importance to Armenia is the clarification of the fate and whereabouts of missing persons and the cases of enforced disappearances. The right of families to know the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones is a humanitarian imperative and must be treated as such. Such efforts should continue irrespective of the broader political environment. We appreciate the ICRC’s continued engagement in this area, including its work with families, its expertise in tracing and forensic matters, and its efforts to facilitate the exchange of relevant information.
We also believe that the ICRC should remain seized of the matter of 19 Armenian detainees to ensure humanitarian engagement and facilitate eventual repatriation. Mr. Chairperson, Armenia values the dialogue between the OSCE and the ICRC. The OSCE, with its comprehensive approach to security, has an important role to play in promoting respect for human rights and international humanitarian principles. Greater attention to the humanitarian consequences of conflicts can contribute to strengthening stability, resilience and human security throughout the OSCE area. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the ICRC for hosting, last May, the Swiss OSCE Chairpersonship Conference on Anticipating Technologies. We highly appreciated the discussions on bridging the gap between emerging technologies, international security and international humanitarian law. We were impressed by the ICRC’s efforts and expertise in addressing the humanitarian and legal implications of rapidly evolving technologies. Mr. Chairperson, In conclusion, Armenia reiterates its strong support for the ICRC’s unique humanitarian mandate and its principled work in protecting and assisting people affected by armed conflict.
We remain committed to supporting efforts aimed at preventing further human suffering, strengthening respect for international humanitarian law, ensuring accountability for violations, and creating conditions conducive to sustainable and lasting peace. Thank you.