© 2025. ILLUSTRATION BY PEACE DIALOGUE NGO

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THIS CALL IS NOW CLOSED.

Thank you to everyone who applied.

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 Please complete the Application Form under the link below.

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Call for Participation

FORESIGHT ARMENIA: EXPLORING FUTURE SCENARIOS FOR 2025–2028
Two-Day Public Workshop | Organized by Peace Dialogue NGO

Peace Dialogue NGO is pleased to invite civil society actors, independent experts, and international stakeholders to participate in a two-day workshop titled “FORESIGHT ARMENIA: Exploring Future Scenarios for 2025–2028”, dedicated to examining Armenia’s strategic trajectory in the years ahead. The event will take place off-site in Dilijan on 11–12 August, 2025.

This initiative builds on a recently held closed-door workshop that gathered Members of Parliament, government representatives, and a select group of civil society organizations and experts. Together, they explored both best- and worst-case scenarios for the region, with a particular emphasis on the potential implications of the signing—or absence—of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. As a result, four plausible strategic scenarios were developed, outlining distinct pathways Armenia may follow through 2028.

At a time when Armenia faces critical choices across its domestic, regional, and geopolitical landscape, this public workshop will serve as a platform to:

✅ Assess the perceived likelihood and internal logic of each scenario

✅ Analyze their implications for democracy, sovereignty, security, economy, gender equality, environment, and societal cohesion

✅ Co-develop early warning indicators and actionable policy recommendations to enhance Armenia’s resilience and preparedness

Who Can Apply?

Peace Dialogue welcomes applications from:

✅ Civil society organizations working on human rights, youth, gender, environment, democratization, and social justice

✅ Independent experts, analysts, and academics

✅ Representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations operating in Armenia

Expected Output

The insights generated during the workshop will be captured in a concise Policy Brief, summarizing key findings, reflections, and forward-looking recommendations.

Participation & Logistics

✅ Working Language: Armenian (simultaneous English translation provided)

✅ Format: In-person workshop, held under Chatham House Rule

✅ Access: Participation is strictly by registration; only approved applicants will be allowed to attend

✅ Agenda: Shared upon confirmation of participation

✅ Participants List: Shared with confirmed participants

✅ Location: To be confirmed and shared with registered participants

✅ Costs Covered: All expenses including transportation, accommodation, and catering will be covered by Peace Dialogue NGO

📅 Application Deadline: July 17, 2025

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Organizational matters: Taline Nichanian | 📞 +374 93 946 446
Content-related matters: Edgar Khachatryan | 📞 +374 93 820 632

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This initiative is carried out by Peace Dialogue NGO in partnership with Conciliation Resources, with financial support from the European Union through its EU4Peace programme. The project is implemented in close collaboration with CMI – the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation. CMI provides methodological guidance and facilitation through its Digital Peacemaking Team.

The event will be implemented in partnership with the Armenian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum.

 

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PHOTO: INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT:
© 2025. IMAGE SOURCE: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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Author: Apolline Massez, Peace Dialogue NGO

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ABSTRACT

This paper examines Armenia’s accession to the ICC amid evolving peace negotiations with Azerbaijan. It explores the legal and political obstacles to accountability and proposes alternative mechanisms for promoting justice and sustainable peace in the region.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In February 2024, Armenia became the 120th State Party to the Rome Statute, signalling its commitment to strengthening international justice mechanisms amid ongoing regional tensions. However, peace negotiations with Azerbaijan and mounting external pressures, particularly from Russia, have challenged Armenia’s ability to fully leverage its ICC membership. Although legally empowered to refer cases to the Court, Armenia has hesitated, fearing political escalation and constrained by the draft peace agreement’s rejection of international judicial involvement. Additional legal challenges, such as limitations on the ICC’s temporal and territorial jurisdiction, further complicate prospects for accountability. Alternative pathways—such as transitional justice, hybrid tribunals, and universal jurisdiction—offer potential, albeit limited, mechanisms for addressing past atrocities. Ultimately, Armenia faces a critical decision: whether to uphold its obligations under international law and pursue justice for its citizens, or to prioritize short-term political stability at the cost of long-term peace and accountability.

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© 2025. ILLUSTRATION BY PEACE DIALOGUE NGO

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“… Despite the challenging conflict dynamics, Peace Dialogue remains committed to fostering dialogue between representatives of societies across the conflict divide. Cross-border peace initiatives are a cornerstone of our work, fostering understanding, trust, and collaboration between communities on both sides of the conflict …”

EDGAR KHACHATRYAN,
PEACE DIALOGUE NGO, PRESIDENT

OPENING REMARKS

At Peace Dialogue, we have always believed that democracy is the foundation for lasting peace. For us, democracy is not just about governance or elections—it is a process that places human dignity, participatory justice, and inclusive dialogue at the heart of peacebuilding. It is a living and evolving commitment to fairness, accountability, and the empowerment of all voices, especially in societies fractured by conflict. Over the past two years, the political and geopolitical challenges in our region and beyond have tested this belief. Yet, we have witnessed the resilience of the people we serve, and it has strengthened our commitment to addressing these pressing issues. The transformative power of dialogue, advocacy, and collective action remains our guiding principle, even as the context of our work becomes increasingly complex and fragile.

The forced displacement of the Armenian population from Nagorno-Karabakh, combined with broader geopolitical turbulence—including the Russian aggression against Ukraine, political instability in Georgia, and other global challenges—has profoundly shaped our work and impacted the lives of those we support. These dynamics have reshaped perceptions of democracy and human rights, intensifying security concerns across Armenia and the South Caucasus region. As security grows increasingly fragile, many have begun to question whether democracy can truly provide safety, while authoritarian regimes promote narratives that glorify military might and seek to undermine democratic principles.

Peace Dialogue firmly rejects such notions, emphasizing instead that democracy’s true strength lies in its ability to unite people, foster trust, address grievances, and lay the foundation for lasting stability.

This fragile environment is further destabilized by the rise of conflict-supportive narratives, misinformation, and disinformation. These tools are increasingly used to manipulate vulnerable, conflict-affected societies, eroding trust in democratic values and institutions. Falsehoods are weaponized to attack democracy and human security, preying on people’s fears and deepening divisions. For those living in the aftermath of conflict, such tactics sow confusion and mistrust, making it harder to build resilience and solidarity. Countering these harmful narratives has become an essential part of our work, as we strive to show that truth and transparency are the pillars of peace.

In 2023-2024, we focused on three core priorities: addressing systemic challenges in the defense sector, fostering inclusive peacebuilding efforts, and empowering communities, particularly youth.

We have worked to address human rights issues in Armenia’s defense sector, including non-combat deaths, ill-treatment, and the lack of effective support systems for consripts and larger military personnel. These issues reflect deeper vulnerabilities that demand urgent reforms. Our advocacy has centered on ensuring transparency, accountability, improved psychological and legal support, and creating safer, more dignified conditions for those serving in the armed forces.

Our peacebuilding efforts have been shaped by the urgent need to amplify the voices of conflict-affected communities. The displacement from Nagorno-Karabakh has left countless individuals grappling with profound loss and uncertainty, making it even more critical to address their needs in peace and conflict-related policies. Despite the challenging conflict dynamics, Peace Dialogue remains committed to fostering dialogue between representatives of societies across the conflict divide. Cross-border peace initiatives are a cornerstone of our work, fostering understanding, trust, and collaboration between communities on both sides of the conflict.

In addition to cross-border efforts, we have also created spaces for meaningful national dialogue, engaging stakeholders at all levels—government officials, civil society organizations, and international partners. By focusing on security, welfare, freedom, and identity, we aim to craft solutions that genuinely reflect the lived realities of those most deeply affected by conflict.

Empowering local communities, and specifically youth, remains central to our mission. In a world where democratic values are increasingly under threat, we recognize the importance of nurturing critical thinking and active participation in young people. By encouraging them to view democracy not as a distant ideal but as a personal and communal responsibility, we aim to cultivate a generation that values inclusivity, dialogue, and justice. Through workshops, grassroots initiatives, and regional programs, we have sought to inspire young people to become vital actors in democracy and peace, countering narratives that seek to diminish these ideals.

We also recognize that the broader global context—the normalization of authoritarian practices, the glorification of military power, and the undermining of international norms—has added layers of complexity to our work. These dynamics challenge perceptions of democracy and human rights, often leaving people disillusioned and fearful. Peace Dialogue remains steadfast in demonstrating that democracy is not a weakness but a profound strength. It is a framework for resilience, collaboration, and hope, offering societies the tools to navigate uncertainty and rebuild after conflict.

Democracy is not an abstract ideal—it’s a living, breathing process that requires constant care and attention. Through our efforts, we strive to demonstrate that peace is possible when justice, compassion, and human dignity are placed at the center of our work. There’s still so much work ahead, but we believe in the path we’ve chosen. Together, with the courage to face uncomfortable truths and the commitment to act on them, we can build a future where democracy doesn’t just promise peace—it delivers it. This belief drives us every day and gives us hope for Armenia, the South Caucasus, and beyond.

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See full publication under the link below:
THROUGH DEMOCRACY TO LASTING PEACE: PEACE DIALOGUE NGO’S ANNUAL REVIEW | 2023 – 2024 (Adobe PDF, 7.8 Mb)

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THIS PUBLICATION HAS BEEN PRODUCED
WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM
THE SIGRID RAUSING TRUST

 

 

 

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© 2024. ILLUSTRATION BY PEACE DIALOGUE NGO

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For over a decade, Peace Dialogue NGO has been committed to promoting human rights within Armenia’s defense sector. Since 2015, the organization’s monitoring group has regularly assessed human rights conditions in this field. Peace Dialogue also participates in the Coordinating Council overseeing the implementation of the 2023-2025 Action Plan, part of the National Strategy of the Republic of Armenia for the Protection of Human Rights, as outlined in Government Decision No. 1674-L, dated September 28, 2023. The organization also works to identify challenges within the defense sector and foster collaborative efforts to address them.

This report specifically focuses on monitoring the actions planned by the Armenian Government for the 2023-2024 period, with a particular focus on protecting the right to life within the defense sector.

The monitoring process had two primary objectives:

• To assess the relevance of the actions outlined in the Armenian Government’s 2023-2025 Action Plan, derived from the National Strategy for the Protection of Human Rights.
• To determine whether these actions were implemented as planned and evaluate their contribution to the Government’s overall goals.

According to the 2023-2025 Action Plan, the overarching goal concerning the right to life is to ensure its effective protection in the armed forces, during criminal proceedings, when interacting with law enforcement agencies, while serving a sentence in penitentiary institutions, or when other coercive measures are applied.

EXPECTED IMPACT:

• By the end of 2025, cases of non-statutory relations (including disciplinary and criminal offenses) in the Armed Forces are expected to decrease by at least 15%, based on 2022 statistics (not included in 2023-2025 Action Plan document).
• By the end of 2025, the number of deaths of servicemen and individuals deprived of liberty in non-combat conditions, both in the armed forces and in penitentiary institutions, is expected to decrease by at least 25%, based on 2022 statistics (not included in 2023-2025 Action Plan document).

The Armenian government outlined one key action aimed at protecting the right to life in the armed forces: strengthening the atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect as a crucial component of safeguarding the right to life. To this end:

• Six videos on the importance of military discipline will be developed and distributed through mass media and in high schools (as social videos).
• 100% of psychologist-officers in the Armed Forces will receive specialized training.

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For access to the PDF version of the report, please follow the link below: TRACKING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ARMENIA’S 2023-2025 HUMAN RIGHTS ACTION PLAN: ACHIEVEMENTS AND GAPS IN RIGHT TO LIFE IN THE ARMED FORCES  (PDF, 1 Mb).

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The study was conducted by Peace Dialogue NGO with funding provided by the Democracy Development Foundation.

 

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© 2024. VIDEO: OPEN PLATFORM ARMENIAN PUBLIC TV COMPANY

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Nikolay Melikyan and Peace Dialogue NGO President Edgar Khachatryan discussed several key topics, including the EUROVOTE signature collection campaign initiated by the Democratic Forces platform, Moscow’s statements regarding Armenia’s relations with the West, and the meeting between the current pro-Russian opposition leader Bagrat Galstanyan, former President Robert Kocharian, and former President Serzh Sargsyan. The video is in Armenian.

 

 

 

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© 2024. PHOTO BY PEACE DIALOGUE NGO. AUTHOR: RIMA GALSTYAN

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From July 29 to August 3, 2024, Peace Dialogue NGO hosted the «Mind Puzzle» summer school in Gyumri, designed to cultivate creative, analytical, and critical thinking among 12 young individuals from the Shirak, Lori, and Tavush regions of northern Armenia. Among the participants were young people from families forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023, who had found refuge in these regions. This initiative was part of the «Contact 3.0» project by Peace Dialogue, in partnership with the German organization OWEN.

Under the guidance of Rima Galstyan and dedicated volunteers from Vanadzor, the «Mind Puzzle» summer school provided a vibrant platform for young participants to explore their potential, gain new insights, and develop essential skills in self-expression and self-discovery. The program featured a diverse range of activities that encouraged participants to share experiences, overcome stereotypes, enhance communication, and apply analytical tools.

A central element of the program was Playback Theater, offering a creative and interactive method for exploring various perspectives. This approach aimed to promote self-expression, reframe personal narratives, and foster resilience and personal growth. Additionally, key discussions on stereotypes and identity were enriched by a comprehensive two-day course on conflict analysis, led by expert Hayk Toroyan. This course sharpened participants’ analytical and critical thinking skills, broadening their perspectives on conflict resolution. The interactive team-building exercises further strengthened trust and collaboration among the participants.

The active involvement of volunteers, many of whom had participated in previous Peace Dialogue initiatives, was crucial to the program’s success. Their contributions illustrate the organization’s commitment to empowering youth and inspiring them to develop their own initiatives and ideas.

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The summer school was implemented in the scope of the project Contact 3.0.

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© 2024. PHOTO BY PEACE DIALOGUE NGO. AUTHOR: ERIK MARTIROSYAN

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On July 26, 2024, Peace Dialogue NGO hosted a multi-stakeholder discussion titled “Mapping and Addressing the Needs of Conflict-Affected Groups in Armenia: Hopes, Fears, and Expectations in the Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process.” The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, members of Parliament (MPs), civil society representatives, think tanks, experts, and international partners.

The primary objective of this multi-stakeholder discussion was to amplify the voices of those directly affected by the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and to develop proactive strategies for addressing their needs. The dialogue aimed to contribute to a more comprehensive and sustainable peace and normalisation efforts grounded in democracy, human rights, and the dignity of conflict-affected populations.

During the opening session, Mr. Hayk Darbinyan, the Head of the Department of Neighbouring Countries of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive peace and normalisation agenda. He presented the latest updates on the peace process, specifically highlighting the outcomes of the fourth European Political Community (EPC) meeting held on July 18, 2024, in the United Kingdom. Mr. Darbinyan underscored the Armenian government’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Silvia Zehe, Political Advisor to the EUSR, discussed the EU’s role in providing multilayered support to the peace and normalization processes between Armenia and Azerbaijan. She highlighted the European Union’s initiatives supporting official peace negotiations and other important elements in the normalization process, the support of those efforts through EU-financed confidence-building and peacebuilding programs, the active involvement of civil society in these track-two efforts, and the EU’s engagement to foster human security in conflict-affected areas of Armenia.

The opening remarks were followed by discussions on the geopolitical challenges of Armenia’s peace agenda, where panelists addressed aspects related to the invasion of Russia into Ukraine, recent geopolitical turbulence in neighboring countries, security threats to Armenia, and Armenia’s resilience strategies. One of the MPs emphasized that Armenian-Turkish relations are also crucial for this agenda. He noted that the de-blocking of transport links and people-to-people communication are vital for pushing the peace agenda forward and mentioned the “Crossroads of Peace” project as an important part of this initiative.

Dr. Markus Ritter, Head of Mission of the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA), opened the panel on the Human Dimension of Armenia’s Peace Agenda. He shared findings from the EU Mission’s work in Armenia, highlighting human security challenges in conflict-affected areas. Dr. Ritter provided a comprehensive overview of EUMA’s efforts to enhance human security in Armenia.

During the panel “Addressing Human Security Challenges for Conflict-Affected Groups,” participants discussed the problems of addressing human security challenges for conflict-affected groups, including issues related to security, well-being, freedom, and identity concerns of the conflict-affected communities in Armenia. This included in particular also those Armenians who were displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh and border-adjacent and frontline communities of Armenia with Azerbaijan.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Edgar Khachatryan, head of Peace Dialogue NGO. On behalf of Peace Dialogue, Mr. Khachatryan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all attendees and emphasized the importance of sustained efforts in fostering democracy, human rights, and the dignity of conflict-affected communities as essential for achieving sustainable peace in the region.

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This project was implemented in partnership with Conciliation Resources NGO and was supported by the European Union’s EU4Peace program. The project’s partner was CMI – the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation.

 

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