UN Supports Armenia to Enhance Border Security and Counter Terrorism

The three-day consultation focused on introducing Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems that contribute towards an enhanced national capacity to improve the use of international databases to identify, detect, and intercept known and suspected terrorists and criminals. 

The consultations were held under the auspices of IOM Armenia, in the framework of the United Kingdom-funded project, “Enhancing the Capacities of Armenian Authorities in Border Security and Crime Prevention.”

The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in partnership with IOM Armenia facilitated the national consultations to identify specific capacity-building support and technical assistance needs based on the national counter-terrorism architecture, priorities and the assessment of the Armenia’s existing level of API and PNR implementation at the legal, operational, and technical levels.

During the opening remarks UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia Françoise Jacob stated “It is an important milestone in Armenia’s efforts to enhance border security, counter terrorism, and uphold international commitments. Armenia’s formal request for support under the Programme is a clear demonstration of its commitment to meeting international obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2178, 2396, and 2482. I therefore commend the Government for convening a truly multisectoral dialogue that brings together all relevant national stakeholders, including from aviation, security, justice, and data protection authorities. This whole-of-government approach is essential to ensuring that Armenia’s system is effective, interoperable, and aligned with global standards—particularly those related to data privacy and personal freedoms. I would also like to acknowledge the pivotal role played by the IOM Office in Armenia in supporting the organization of this workshop, and to thank our colleagues from UNOCT, CTED, UNODC, ICAO, UNOICT, INTERPOL, and IOM as well as OSCE for their technical expertise and commitment to this joint effort.”

“The UK is pleased to support Armenia as it begins to introduce Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems. These tools will help to strengthen Armenia’s border security, tackle serious cross-border crime and make international travel safer. This work is part of the UK’s wider support to help Armenia build a modern border security system that meets international standards. We are proud to work with IOM and Armenian authorities on this important step towards a safer and more secure region,” said Paul Morris, Chargé d’Affaires of the British Embassy in Yerevan.

Over three dozen representatives from national agencies of Armenia responsible for border management and passenger processing participated including: the National Security Service (NSS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Migration and Citizenship Service (MCS), State Revenue Committee (Customs), Police of the Republic of Armenia, Ministry of Justice, General Department of Civil Aviation/Civil Aviation Committee (CAC), Zvartnots International Airport Authority, Ministry of High-Tech Industry, Airlines operating in Armenia,  Agency for the Protection of Personal Data (under the Ministry of Justice), Human Rights Defender of Armenia (national ombudsman), INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Armenia, Financial Investigation Unit.

Participants mapped existing national border management capabilities and discussed next steps to establish a national system to collect and process passenger data, in accordance with international standards and recommended practices and human rights principles. 

“We look forward to collaborating with UNOCT as well as all the relevant UN specialized agencies and partner organizations to implement the API/PNR systems in Armenia”, - mentioned Arman Hovhannisyan, Head of the department of international security.  

“At a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and evolving security risks, enhancing Armenia’s ability to collect, process, and analyze passenger data is not only timely—it is vital. Situated at a strategic crossroads between Europe and Asia, Armenia’s proactive approach in advancing its border security architecture will contribute to regional stability, global security, and the protection of its citizens and visitors alike. The growing number of border crossings in Armenia indicates that the introduction of the API/PNR systems is very timely and critical. Thus, I want to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Service for their leadership, as well as UK government for supporting this initiative and all other partners”, - stated Ilona Ter Minasyan, IOM Armenia’s Head of Office.

UNOCT CT Travel Programme Management Officer Mr. Motaz Al-Rababah highlighted the importance of the discussions and noted, "The introduction of the systems will mark the next milestone in Armenia’s border management journey. By enabling predeparture risk assessment, API and PNR will sharpen the ability to detect high risk travelers and uphold the integrity of international civil aviation. CTED and the CT Travel Programme stand ready to sustain this partnership, offering ongoing guidance and assistance in support of Armenia’s objectives."

As a next step, the CT Travel Programme will finalize a comprehensive roadmap with recommendations to guide implementation in Armenia via a phased approach. Once the roadmap is formalized, the CT Travel Programme will work with national partners to provide technical assistance to enhance Armenia’s legal framework, operational capabilities, support with transport industry engagement, and technical infrastructure including the planned deployment of the United Nations’ owned ‘goTravel’ software solution. This full support will empower the country to further enhance its national security, comply with international counter-terrorism obligations, and modernize its immigration and border management processes. 

Within the framework of the CT Travel Programme, UNOCT and IOM are working together to develop and strengthen Member States’ API and PNR capabilities. This includes joint efforts to support interoperability between the UN ‘goTravel’ system. This initiative is expected to provide front-line border control officers with enriched passenger data, enabling facilitation of legitimate travelers, and allowing the Government to allocate resources towards those who pose a risk to national security.

For more information about the CT Travel Programme, click here.

For further information, please contact:

Nune Asatryan, IOM Armenia, Project Coordinator, nasatryan@iom.int 

Antoine Andary, Associate Public Information and Communications Officer, UNOCT at antoine.andary@un.org