International Society and Community Talk About Human Rights

Human Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on December 10. It commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a groundbreaking document which for the first time singled out the fundamental human rights which shall be protected in all countries, by all states. Despite the tremendous progress registered in the years following the adoption of the document, there is still a lot of things to do as many citizens of the world are still bereft of the fundamental rights established by this document.

 

On December 10, 2020, Meeting-discussion on  Human Rights Protection in Armenia was held by New Generation Humanitarian NGO.

Sergey Gabrielyan, President of New Generation Humanitarian NGO (NGNGO) opened the meeting extending thanks to the guests for participation and emphasized the importance of equal realization of human rights of all groups of the society without any obstacles.

After the opening,  H.E.M Patrik Svensson, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of  Sweden to the Republic of Armenia,  H.E.M  Nico Schermers, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Republic of Armenia and Mr.Jan Plesinger, Deputy Head of  EU delegation to Armenia made welcoming speeches. They presented the road to establishment of Human Rights the countries had passed, the successes they had registered, and they also mentioned that there are still many problems and difficulties and still a lot of work to do for the full establishment and realization of Human Rights. Their Excellencies expressed their joint commitment and support for the establishment of democracy and non-discrimination in Armenia

H.E. M Lynne M Tracy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Armenia  also welcomed  the organizers and guests of the event through a video message emphasizing the importance of  human rights protection,  especially those of vulnerable groups in Armenia.

The guests of the event also expressed their condolesences to the families and the entire society who have suffered losses during the war and they once again stressed that the fulfilment and realization of human rights, particularly those of the war prisoners, is a priority.

After the welcoming speeches, NGNGO lawyer Shushan Khnkoyan presented the legal advices  provided by New Generation Humanitarian NGO in 2020, registered cases of human rights violations and discrimination, violence and torture  against LGBTI people and CSW. Shushan Khnkoyan’s report also included the law drafts and other legislative initiatives undertaken by NGNGO.

Members of LGBTI and CSW communities were also present at the meeting and raised first-hand the problems and discrimination they face in Armenia, described the violence and torture they had been subjected by their families, society, law enforcement authorities and other structures. Also the problem of gender affirming procedures, recognition of gender identity and other legislative gaps in Armenia was touched upon.

Ms. Khnkoyan summed up her speecհ by presenting the suggestions and recommendations of  NGNGO to the RA Government and other relevant bodies for the solution of the  raised problems and improvement of the legal environment of the Republic of Armenia.

Nare Hovhannisyan, President of Center for Legal Initiatives NGO, Member of the Group of Public Monitors Implementing Supervision over the Criminal-Executive Institutions and Bodies of the Ministry of Justice of RA presented the issues of imprisoned vulnerable groups of Armenia. After Ms. Hovhannisyan’s speech, a community representative spoke about the psychological and physical tortures he had undergone in the Criminal Executive institution of Armenia as prisoner.

 

Next, defense-lawyer Ara Gharagyozyan presented the manifestations of Discrimination in the Armenian Judiciary System.

After a break, the premiere screening of the film “On the Road to Equal Rights” took place.

The meeting discussion ended with Presentation of National Cascade of HIV Services for MSM in Armenia.

NGNGO President Sergey Gabrielyan closed the meeting thanking the guests for active participation and effective discussion.