What we do

The pathway to democratic governance and gender equality includes efforts that will help strengthen trust in governance systems and service delivery capacity in Armenia. The focus is on building democratic, effective and accountable institutions capable of upholding human rights and the rule of law; preventing discriminatory practices and violence; and strengthening the public administration system to ensure effective and human-centred service delivery for all.

UNDP works to improve the transparency and accountability of decision-making and service delivery; strengthen access to justice and combat corruption; address inequalities and protect human rights; reinforce the legislative and electoral systems; improve service orientation and promote excellence in the public sector, including the customs service and the police; and support the development of a new generation of smart public services for improved fairness and accountability at national and local levels.

UNDP promotes participatory decision-making; strengthens the notion of the citizen as the ‘client’ of public institutions; supports access to education, learning and self-realization; supports ambitious future-proof strategies which build on people’s collective aspirations; and builds social cohesion and helps to foster a new social contract.

The work is based on the principles of inclusiveness and addresses emerging vulnerabilities with a human-centred approach. This includes the creation of psychosocial and economic support mechanisms and the provision of medical care, particularly for veterans.

UNDP also promotes transformation (including digital) of the Parliament and other institutions to enhance checks and balances and ensure a ‘whole-of-government’ approach, strengthened separation of powers and cross-party work.

UNDP continues to be a key partner to the Government and Parliament in the design, implementation and promotion of open governance policies. The Parliament plays a key role, serving as an important platform for evidence-based policymaking and citizen engagement.

UNDP seeks to eliminate gender inequalities through targeted gender-focused initiatives that consider the unique experiences, potential, needs and contributions of women, girls, men and boys. This includes efforts to dismantle structural barriers and promote the leadership and wide participation of women and youth in decision-making and help the Government to ensure that its strategies, plans and programmes are gender-responsive.

The programme continues to focus on implementation and oversight of the Human Rights Strategy and Action Plan; enhancing accountability of law-enforcement bodies, efficiency and public trust in the judiciary; promoting non-discrimination; and strengthening capacities of the office of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia.

Some results so far

• UNDP supported the 2020 June snap parliamentary elections, making sure that over 2 million eligible voters effectively exercise their electoral rights.

• UNDP succeeded in establishing mutual confidence and trust as part of parliamentary development. 

• UNDP was also instrumental in promoting transparency, effectiveness and digital solutions in Anti-Corruption, Police, Rule of Law, and Human Rights sectors.

• Following UNDP’s long-term advocacy, 30 percent gender national and local quota was first time applied bringing 10 percent increase of women in the Parliament (34 percent vs 24 percent) and ensuring 30 percent women’s representation in 45 communities.

• UNDP reached 1300 women with pre-electoral support (114 (38 percent) out of overall 297 elected women are UNDP-beneficiaries).

• UNDP was also a key player at national level, including through pilots on Gender Seal in Public Administration and Gender Impact Assessment.