The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, Alen Simonyan, delivered a speech at the general debates of the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
It is an honor to address the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia at the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The Armenian people attach great importance to the theme of this general debate: the urgent need for humanitarian action and solidarity.
Armenia has experienced humanitarian crises, such as the 1988 Spitak earthquake. The global response showed that international solidarity can transcend borders and differences.
Outside our borders, Armenian peacekeepers have participated in missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Lebanon, working to protect civilians and contribute to stability. We will continue to strengthen our humanitarian capabilities and expand protection where necessary.
In September 2023, over 100,000 Armenians from Karabakh were displaced to Armenia, posing a severe test for our three-million population.
The Armenian government responded with decisive compassion, providing shelter, health care, education, and employment. This demonstrates that guided by principles, even smaller nations can advance humanity’s highest ideals through action.
Humanitarian work is inseparable from our aspirations for peace. On August 8, 2025, in Washington, the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, with the participation of the US President, signed a joint declaration, which was an important step in ending decades of conflict and suffering.
On the same day, the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan initialed the text of the Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations.
As a result of the meeting in Washington, Armenia will work with the United States and mutually agreed upon third parties to ensure the implementation of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) initiative. The TRIPP initiative is a regional infrastructure project aimed at fostering cooperation, connectivity, and economic development among involved countries. It stems from Armenia’s vision to ensure seamless regional connectivity through its proclaimed “Crossroads of Peace” program, which envisages the development of a railway, as well as the prospect of constructing highways, pipelines, power lines, and communication cables between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and neighboring countries.
However, I must note that the issue of those detained in Azerbaijan remains a serious humanitarian issue that must be resolved. We seek the earliest possible release of those held captive and their reunification with their families. Another important humanitarian priority is to clarify the fate of the many missing persons.
We know that Armenia is not alone in the struggle to build a more humane world. From Ukraine to Gaza, from Sudan to Haiti, humanitarian crises are unfolding before our eyes. Civilians—women, children, and the elderly—continue to bear the brunt of suffering.
These tragedies compel us to protect human dignity. Human rights are universal, and their protection must always be upheld, without selectivity.
Partners, today’s lessons are clear: dialogue and peace must replace conflict. Compassion must guide us. Upholding these values is our shared duty and the heart of our message.
