On 24 February 2026, a report reviewing Armenia’s progress towards ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention) was presented in Yerevan. The event brought together representatives of state institutions, key ministries and the National Assembly, civil society organisations, frontline professionals and international partners.
Prepared at the request of the Armenian authorities within Phase II of the project “Ending Violence Against Women and Promoting Gender Equality in Armenia” , the report assesses the alignment of national legislation and policies on domestic violence with the standards of the Istanbul Convention and sets out recommendations for further action. It reviews legislative amendments adopted in the recent years, including changes to domestic violence legislation and to the Criminal Code aimed at strengthening the protection framework, clarifying legal definitions and enhancing measures related to prevention, prosecution and victim protection. The report also identifies areas requiring further development and provides examples of practice from other Council of Europe member states.
The presentation focused on the main findings of the report and enabled an exchange of views on outstanding issues and possible next steps.
Tatevik Stepanyan, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, welcomed participants, stating: “Through our co-operation with the Council of Europe, we have been able to clearly assess and advance Armenia’s alignment with the standards of the convention. We have made concrete advances in strengthening protection for women from violence and domestic violence, while recognising that this remains an ongoing process. The progress achieved so far reflects the shared efforts of all partners involved.”
The event was organised by the Council of Europe project “Ending Violence Against Women and Promoting Gender Equality in Armenia” Phase II implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026
