© 2025. ILLUSTRATION BY PEACE DIALOGUE NGO

---

By decision of the Board of Peace Dialogue NGO on March 30, 2025, the organization plans to conduct a comprehensive, independent audit of its 2025 budget.

Peace Dialogue invites audit firms to submit proposals for conducting an audit of the organization’s 2025 financial statements.

The purpose of the audit is to:

✅ Examine and assess the compliance of the organization’s 2025 financial statements with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia and the requirements of the organization’s donors.
✅ Ensure that the financial statements fully reflect the financial indicators for each budget line and properly disclose any foreign exchange gains/losses.
✅ Provide explanatory notes, including information on the organization’s financial management and accounting models.
✅ Verify compliance with tax legislation, particularly regarding income tax and social security contributions.
✅ Confirm that the year-end balance of unspent funds is accurately reflected in the accounting records and bank statements.

The audit report should include:

✅ An independent auditor’s opinion prepared in accordance with ISA 800/805 international standards.
✅ A clearly articulated conclusion, provided in both Armenian and English.
✅ A management letter addressed to the Board, describing all findings and weaknesses identified during the audit, along with recommendations for addressing them. Recommendations should be prioritized and categorized by risk level.

Audit firms are invited to submit their proposals — including a description of services, timeline, and price — to the following email address: [email protected] by August 31, 2025.

For further inquiries, please contact us at the same email address.

 

Read More on ANNOUNCEMENTS

© 2025. ILLUSTRATION BY PEACE DIALOGUE NGO

---

 Please complete the Application Form under the link below.

---

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

---

 

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.

 

Read More on Events

© 2025. ILLUSTRATION BY PEACE DIALOGUE NGO

---

Peace Dialogue is a non-religious, non-political, human rights, peacebuilding NGO, established in 2009 in Armenia. The organization strives to unite experienced human rights defenders and peacebuilding activists in Eastern Partnership countries and Europe with the aim of promoting human rights protection and peaceful settlement of conflicts.

The organization operates at the local, regional, and international levels.

VISION:

The vision of Peace Dialogue is the establishment of peaceful and democratic societies grounded in the supremacy of rights and the rule of law.

MISSION:

In conflict and post-conflict environments, through its initiatives conducted locally, regionally, and internationally, Peace Dialogue endeavors to make meaningful contributions to:

• Forming multi-dimensional dialogue,
• Protecting human rights,
• Cultivating a culture of peace and fostering peace movement,
• Nurturing respect for democratic values,
• Facilitating the development and fortification of democratic institutions,
• Avocating for the interests and rights of conflict-affected groups.

The strategy is informed by comprehensive analyses conducted by the Peace Dialogue team, aiming to shed light on:

• Political and civil developments in Armenia following the 2020 Armenian-Azerbaijani war, Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and the resulting geopolitical shifts;
• Ongoing challenges related to human rights protection and the country’s democratization trajectory;
• Political and civic dynamics, as well as the challenges and opportunities for peacebuilding and human rights advocacy, in conflict-affected countries across the Eastern Partnership region.

Particular attention was given to the challenges faced in the Lori region—especially in Vanadzor—and to the needs and interests of local residents in the areas of human rights, democracy, and peacebuilding.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:

At the local, regional, and international levels, the initiatives undertaken by Peace Dialogue NGO are aimed at:

• Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms,
• Ensuring equal participation of women and men in political and civil processes,
• Supporting democratic reforms and enhancing public oversight in Armenia,
• Establishing civilian oversight over decision-making processes of state institutions,
• Fostering mutual trust and dialogue within Armenian society and among post-conflict and conflict-affected countries in the Eastern Partnership region; reducing militarization, nationalist and patriarchal tendencies; promoting counter-narratives; challenging gender stereotypes; and increasing gender sensitivity,
• Protecting the rights and interests of conflict-affected individuals, including families of those missing during the Karabakh wars, former prisoners of war, ex-servicemen, and refugees,
• Building resilience against hybrid threats to democracy, human rights, and national security in Armenia,
• Developing and strengthening proactive civil society, human rights, and peacebuilding capacities,
• Supporting initiatives with significant civil, social, and political impact.

STRATEGIC THEMATIC AREAS (2026–2030):

From 2026 to 2030, Peace Dialogue will focus on the following strategic areas:

⇒ Human Rights and Democracy

Promoting democratic values, safeguarding human rights, and fostering inclusive governance.

⇒ Culture of Peace and Conflict Transformation

Cultivating a culture of peace through dialogue, nonviolent conflict resolution, and reconciliation efforts.

⇒ Community Development and Civic Engagement

Empowering communities through capacity building, participatory development, and active civic involvement.

⇒ Resilience to Hybrid Threats

Strengthening societal resilience against hybrid threats targeting democracy, human rights, and national security.

To realize the strategic objectives outlined above, the organization prioritizes the strengthening of its team and the enhancement of staff capabilities.

METHODOLOGY:

• Human rights monitoring,
• Provision of egal advice and assistance,
• Documentation of human rights violations,
• Media engagement and communication,
• Exchange of experience and best practices,
• Capacity building through formal and non-formal education,
• Development and dissemination of policy frameworks and concepts,
• Lobbying and advocacy efforts,
• Collaboration with state institutions,
• Networking,
• Establishment of dialogue platforms,
• Promotion of international cooperation.

TARGET GROUPS:

• State institutions, including the National Assembly,
• Civil society,
• Expert community,
• Media representatives,
• International structures and organizations (e.g., the European Union, Council of Europe),
• Combatants and their family members,
• War-affected populations, including families of individuals missing during the Karabakh wars, former prisoners of war, former servicemen, refugees,
• Relatives of servicemen who died in non-combat conditions,
• Representatives of civil societies from post-Soviet, post-conflict, and conflict-affected countries,
• Adolescents, youth, and older individuals residing in various regions and settlements of Armenia,
• Peace Dialogue’s staff and volunteers.

---

Approved by the Board:

Edgar Khachatryan  

Anna Pambukhchyan

Marianna Khazhakyan

Hayk Toroyan

Armine Zakaryan

 

Read More on ACTIVITIES

31 May – 2 June 2025

The Know-How

The foresight process will be co-designed and facilitated with the active participation of the Digital Peacemaking Team from the CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation (Finland), an internationally recognized leader in peace innovation. Their cutting-edge digital tools and AI-supported methodologies will guide the documentation, analysis, and synthesis of outcomes—providing a strong foundation for future policymaking and engagement.

The dialogue will be led by Dr. John A. Sweeney, Senior Advisor on Futures and Foresight at CMI. Dr. Sweeney is the UNESCO Chair in Futures Studies in Anticipatory Governance and Sustainable Policymaking at Westminster International University in Tashkent. He also serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of World Futures Review and teaches in the University of Houston’s Master’s Program in Strategic Foresight.

Read More on Uncategorized

© 2025. ILLUSTRATION BY PEACE DIALOGUE NGO

---

Amid increasing regional uncertainty, Peace Dialogue convened its staff, board members, and project stakeholders for a strategic retreat held from March 28–30, 2025. The three-day retreat served as a platform for collective reflection, reassessment, and forward-looking planning—ensuring the organization remains resilient and mission-driven in an evolving geopolitical landscape.

A RENEWED STRATEGIC FOCUS

Building on its foundational pillars—Human Rights and Democracy and Fostering a Culture of Peace and Conflict Transformation—Peace Dialogue has embraced a new strategic direction focused on enhancing Armenia’s societal resilience. This approach prioritizes capacity building and deeper community engagement to address external hybrid threats that jeopardize national sovereignty, democratic institutions, and civic space. Among the key concerns identified were the growing influence of far-right narratives and the erosion of democratic norms.

STRENGTHENING THE ORGANIZATION

To realize its renewed strategic vision, Peace Dialogue is prioritizing institutional resilience. Participants highlighted the importance of reinforcing internal structures to meet the demands of an expanding portfolio, while preserving the organization’s core strength—its dedicated team.

Sustaining impact in a challenging environment requires thoughtful growth. Discussions emphasized the need to strategically expand human resources, foster internal learning, and improve operational clarity. Strengthening monitoring and evaluation, as well as enhancing communication and outreach capacities, were also identified as key areas for development.

Despite limited resources, the organization remains driven by a strong sense of purpose, with internal cohesion and external support serving as essential pillars for long-term sustainability.

UPHOLDING CORE VALUES

At a time when the concepts of peacebuilding, democracy, and civil society are increasingly contested, participants reaffirmed Peace Dialogue’s unwavering commitment to its core values. The organization stands firm in resisting the instrumentalization of these principles and remains dedicated to defending them through its partnerships and programming.

TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE: OPPORTUNITIES AND COMPLEXITIES

The retreat also engaged with transitional justice as a potential framework for fostering democratic accountability. While its relevance was broadly recognized, discussions underscored the conceptual and political challenges of applying transitional justice in the context of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, where divergent narratives persist.

LEADERSHIP RENEWAL

As part of its commitment to institutional development, Peace Dialogue launched a process of board renewal. New members were brought in to diversify leadership, strengthen governance, and help guide the organization through its next phase of strategic growth.

LOOKING FORWARD

Serving both as a compass and a catalyst, the 2025 strategic retreat reaffirmed Peace Dialogue’s dedication to human rights, justice, and peace. With a renewed strategic vision, strengthened internal structures, and a deepened commitment to its values, the organization is well-positioned to navigate the path ahead—toward 2030 and beyond.

---

The strategic meeting was implemented with funding provided by the Sigrid Rausing Trust.

 

Read More on ACTIVITIES

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

---

Author: Apolline Massez, Peace Dialogue NGO

---

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.

---

Read More on PUBLICATIONS

The Armenian Court of Cassation issued a decision on February 12, 2025, concerning the case of conscript soldier Suren Artur Aramyan, who died from gunshot wounds under unclear circumstances on the night of April 5-6, 2016, along with conscript soldier Grigor Hermon Avetisyan. The decision focused on the investigation into Aramyan’s death and identified procedural violations.

Following multiple rejected appeals by the Prosecutor’s Office, the First Instance Court of General Jurisdiction of Gegharkunik Marz, and the Criminal Court of Appeal, Peace Dialogue NGO’s special appeal to the Court of Cassation was accepted on January 31, 2023. The Court of Cassation’s recent ruling annulled the 2022 decision of the Criminal Court of Appeal, upholding the victim’s legal successor’s complaint and highlighting procedural violations during the investigation.

The court emphasized that no effective investigation had been conducted due to procedural breaches by the investigating authorities, which were overlooked by lower courts. Additionally, the ruling clarified the distinction between suspension and termination of criminal proceedings, underscoring that suspension is a temporary measure requiring ongoing efforts to identify suspects, unlike termination, which concludes the investigation.

The Court assigned responsibility to the competent public authority to rectify the violations of Suren Aramyan’s rights, as identified in the ruling.

Peace Dialogue NGO remains committed to ensuring justice and accountability in cases of human rights violations within the defense sector.

 

Read More on ACTIVITIES