ILO Armenia`s reliable partner - Narek Mkrtchyan

ArmInfo.Armenia's Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Narek Mkrtchyan delivered a speech at the  111th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva attended by delegations of the 187 member-states of the International Labour Organization (ILO). 

Speaking of Armenia's employment policy, Mr Mkrtchyan stated the  country remains committed to the adopted values and continues  exerting effort to implement reforms. In this context, he highlighted  the importance of an employment strategy and of the "Rewarding labor"  programme for sustainable development. The programme has been  successfully implemented since 2019. 

Mr Mkrtchyan stated that armed conflicts seriously impede the  efforts. "Azerbaijan's aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020,  as well as the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh's 120,000-strong  population for six months, is a serious obstacle to human rights  protection. At present, the Nagorno-Karabakh people is deprived of  the right to free movement, healthcare and work, which is in conflict  with international legal norms, particularly the Universal  Declaration of Human Rights and ILO goals," the minister said. 

He highly appreciated Armenia's 31-year-long cooperation with ILO and  stressed that ILO has remained Armenia's reliable partner in social  protection, ensuring work safety and healthcare, developing social  dialogue. 

In conclusion, Mr Mkrtchyan expressed hope that consistent work and  common efforts will enable the ILO member-states to cope with the  challenges and ensure social justice and prosperity.