Ara Mkrtchyan, Deputy Minister of Environment of the RA participated in the international conference entitled “Business and Human Rights: Corporate Social Responsibility”, organized through a joint initiative of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia and the Council of Europe.
The conference served as an important platform for discussing the interconnection between human rights, environmental issues, and business activities—particularly in the context of the instruments adopted by the Council of Europe and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.
The Deputy Minister delivered remarks during the panel discussion titled “Human Rights and the Environment in the Context of International Investments.” In his speech, Ara Mkrtchyan provided a detailed overview of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure in Armenia, highlighting its crucial role in ensuring environmental safety, protecting human health, and safeguarding the public interest.
“EIA and environmental expertise in our country are among the primary tools that enable us to assess potential negative impacts of planned activities and to propose mitigation measures or alternative solutions,” noted the Deputy Minister.
He emphasized that the current regulations do not grant any privileges to foreign investors; the law applies equally to all entities, regardless of their legal status or origin.
The legislative framework is designed to ensure a transparent, equitable, and responsible approach to the Environmental Impact Assessment process,” noted Ara Mkrtchyan. “It also contributes to the stability of the investment environment by providing a clear set of legal instruments.
The Deputy Minister also recalled that in 2023, comprehensive amendments were introduced to the Law of the Republic of Armenia, resulting in a modernized procedure that now incorporates strategic environmental assessment, proper legal regulation of transboundary impacts, public hearings, and other essential components.
The conference also addressed key issues related to the promotion of foreign investments, business law, the role of states, and responsible business conduct — all aimed at fostering a fair, competitive, and legally stable environment.