On July 31, the European Union published an annual report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2022 Country Updates assessing the human rights situation in countries around the globe.

Armenia

Speaking of the human rights situation in Armenia, the report read, "Armenia maintained a relatively good record of human rights and democracy, and continued in 2022 to undertake ambitious judicial, police and constitutional reforms. Further improvements are needed to curb discrimination and hate speech, freedom of assembly, protection of minorities, gender equality, preventing gender-based violence, domestic violence, and prosecution of torture and ill-treatment."

Regarding EU bilateral political engagement, the information said: "The 12th EU-Armenia Human Rights Dialogue (HRD) and the EU-Armenia Sub-committee on Justice, Freedom and Security (JFS) took place back-to-back in Brussels on 7 and 8 November 2022. Specific human rights challenges were discussed at the HRD, including the fight against discrimination, gender equality, and gender-based violence, rights of the child, labor rights, freedom of assembly, and freedom of expression and information, as well as human rights aspects related to the Justice, Security, and Penitentiary system."

Regarding EU financial engagement, the report emphasized, "The EU is the largest donor to the justice sector, including an ongoing budget support program (2021-2023) with a total amount of EUR 30 million and upcoming Phase II budget support program of EUR 11 million (2023-2025). Among other projects in this field, the EU funded a two-year project (ended in June 2022) to support the Government in advancing its rule of law and anticorruption agenda and meeting the commitments under CEPA." It added: "In 2022, projects related to civic activism and human rights, and to support to media outlets were launched. Among several new grant contracts, a contract, EU4Women Empowerment in Armenia (EQAUL), was signed at the end of 2022. The project aims to elevate and empower women in Armenia to bring about societal change in Armenia with a specific focus on several regions (including Syunik, Lori, and Tavush)."

Azerbaijan

On Azerbaijan, the report said, "The state of play regarding the safeguarding of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the respect of the rule of law in Azerbaijan continues to be of concern. No progress has been made in the area of pluralism and the rule of law, notably about the lack of independence of the judiciary and the restrictions on basic freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly, and association. The new Law on Political Parties, signed by the President on January 11, 2023, will likely further limit political pluralism in Azerbaijan, making the establishment of new political parties very difficult and leading to the possible disappearance of some smaller existing parties. The overall electoral legal framework remains to be revised to align it with international standards and obligations. Activities of non-governmental organizations are still restricted, including by the obligation to go through a complex and arbitrary procedure for registering grant agreements."

Regarding EU financial engagement, the report said: "The EU supported projects in the following areas: CSOs and human rights defenders; gender equality and women’s rights; rights of the child and rights of persons with disabilities; freedom of expression, media freedom and freedom of assembly and association; strengthening the independence, impartiality, professionalism, and efficiency of the judicial system and the rule of law and on the promotion of peacebuilding and reconciliation."

"Despite some recent positive developments, the overall rate of implementation of European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) rulings remains extremely low. On November 19, Azerbaijan signed Protocol No. 16 to the European Convention on Human Rights, allowing the highest courts and tribunals to request the Court to give advisory opinions on questions of principle relating to the interpretation or application of the rights and freedoms defined in the Convention or the protocols thereto. Despite some recent positive developments, the overall rate of implementation of ECtHR rulings remains low. The proposal to ratify the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention remains under consideration," the report concluded in the Azerbaijan section.

Georgia

Regarding the human rights situation in Georgia, the report said: "Georgia applied for membership of the European Union in March 2022. The European Council recognized the European perspective of Georgia in June 2022 and stated its readiness to grant the status of candidate country once the priorities specified in the Commission’s Opinion on Georgia’s membership application have been addressed. These priorities include issues related to the strengthening of democratic principles, the rule of law, and human rights obligations. Overall, Georgia has a solid human rights framework, including legislation and policies in line with international and European standards. However, implementation should be strengthened in several areas. In 2022, progress has been achieved in the reforms of the electoral system, of the public administration, the enhancement of gender equality, the rights of the child, and the rights of persons with disabilities. Further efforts are still needed in the area of judicial reforms, anticorruption, and strengthening the independence of State institutions. The human rights situation in the Georgian breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia remains concerning."

Regarding EU financial engagement, it added: "The EU Delegation continued to be at the forefront of protecting and promoting human rights in Georgia through implementing substantial human rights programs and systemic outreach activities. Key assistance has been implemented through the ‘EU4Human Rights’ (EUR 11 million). Its overall objective is to strengthen human rights protection, including the rights of minorities and vulnerable groups, the fight against violence against women and domestic violence, internal and external oversight of law enforcement, protection of privacy, child rights, and support to victims of domestic violence. The EU bilateral assistance in this field is complemented by the ongoing Regional EU program EU4Gender Equality for the Eastern Neighborhood countries of total budget EUR 8 million."