Armenia’s deputy FM highlights human rights in biodiversity action at COP17

Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ani Avetisyan delivered remarks at the closing segment of the “Human Rights-Based Biodiversity Action: The Way Forward from Yerevan” event at COP17.

Avetisyan highlighted the importance of the day-long event organized by Armenia’s COP17 Presidency and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The event provided an opportunity for national delegations, international organizations, civil society representatives, and major groups of the Convention on Biological Diversity to discuss approaches to and the vision for rights-based implementation of the Convention.

The ministry said in a press release that Avetisyan addressed the interconnectedness of biodiversity conservation efforts and several fundamental rights, emphasizing the importance of meaningful participation by major groups, including Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).

It was emphasized that human rights must be reflected not only in international commitments but also in national biodiversity policies. The outcomes of COP17 should help the Parties to the Convention identify challenges in national implementation and strengthen their national frameworks.