Foreword

This annual National Human Development Report, "Human Rights and Human Development: Action for Progress" is the fruit of rewarding and extensive work carried out with the sponsorship and under the auspices of the United Nations Development Program.

Though the research, analyses and recommendations rendered by independent specialists do not always coincide with the views of the authorities, at the current stage they can contribute greatly to the formation of civil society and statehood based on the rule of law in Armenia. The annual National Human Development Report enables our country, having taken the path of multilateral cooperation, to make more visible the past route, with its achievements and shortcomings, and make more discernable today's urgent problems. It is also a model example of cooperation between the State, international and local organizations, where efforts are united by sincere motivation and concern for promoting progress in Armenia.

That the Council of Europe has extended an invitation to Armenia to become a member testifies to the undeniable achievements made towards democracy that have been recorded in Armenia since gaining Independence. Such reports as the one at hand represent an important step towards reinforcing and realizing the principles of a democratic state.

The National Human Development Report reflects in full the acuteness of the current insufficient state of affairs in Armenia's economy, which, as a result, lead to numerous social problems confronting the population. Naturally, they cannot but adversely impact the most diverse spheres of people's lives.

Armenia's people have made their choice to build a sovereign and democratic state. Even in the most unfavorable conditions, they have held fast to that choice. This reality inspires us with the belief that the current problems are solvable. The policy pursued by the Armenian authorities, aimed at deepening international cooperation and strengthening practical relations with the Diaspora, is directed at finding and securing a niche in the world economy for Armenia based on the available professional workforce, organizational skills and political stability.

I would like to commend the authors of this deep and multi-dimensional work and those who have contributed to its preparation. Thanks to these efforts Armenia receives another opportunity to address the international community as well. I am hopeful that the next National Human Development Report on Armenia will record significant progress in human development.

Robert Kocharyan
President of the Republic of Armenia