The joint visit of Human Rights Defender of the Republic
of Armenia, Ms. Anahit Manasyan, and United Nations Resident Coordinator in
Armenia, Ms. Françoise Jacob, to Syunik region has begun. Representatives of
both institutions are also participating in the visit.
On May 19, the Defender and the UN Resident Coordinator
in Armenia visited Syunik regional department of the Human Rights Defender’s
Office. The head of the department, Ms. Ani Mnatsakanyan, presented the range
of issues that people most frequently apply to the department.
Then, a meeting was held in Kapan with the Governor of
Syunik, Mr. Robert Ghukasyan. The latter presented the problems existing in the
human rights sector in the region, as well as socio-economic issues.
Issues related to the rights of residents of the border
settlements of the region, forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh,
persons with disabilities, women's rights, and cooperation with international
actors in the field of human rights protection were discussed.
In this context, Ms. Anahit Manasyan noted that the UN
Office in Armenia is one of the important partners of the Human Rights
Defender’s Office, playing a serious role in the development of the human
rights protection system in Armenia.
The Defender also highlighted the constructive work
established with the Governor of Syunik, as a result of which a number of
problems recorded are quickly being resolved. The Defender expressed confidence
that, due to joint efforts, the systems that affect the quality of life of
people should be continuously improved in the region.
A visit was also made to the Kapan office of the UN World
Food Programme (WFP). The Defender was presented with the purpose of the
structure's activities and directions of work.
Then, the Defender and the Resident Coordinator in
Armenia visited the border settlements of Shikahogh, Srashen and Tsav.
Meetings were held with community leaders and residents.
Issues related to rights were collected on the spot.
The residents of the above-mentioned settlements
presented issues related to access to drinking and irrigation water,
employment, security, property rights, difficulties in engaging in agriculture
and animal husbandry, as well as other issues aimed at improving the
socio-living conditions of the residents.
Ms. Anahit Manasyan assured that the issues raised during
the discussion will be studied by the HRDO staff and addressed to the competent
state bodies.
The Human Rights Defender's regional visits to
familiarize herself with human rights issues in the republic are ongoing.
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