In
cooperation with the Human Rights Defender and the Embassy of the Kingdom of
the Netherlands in Armenia, an event on the topic “Prevention of Sex-Selective
Abortions: Awareness and Public Consciousness Formation” was held on October 7
at the Gavar Community Cultural Center in Gegharkunik Province.
Representatives
of the Gegharkunik regional governor's staff, civil society, as well as
educational institutions - including lecturers and students of Gavar State
University, colleges, school principals, teachers and high school students, as
well as other persons interested in the topic were present.
Opening
remarks were delivered by the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia,
Ms. Anahit Manasyan and the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Armenia, H.E. Ms.
Marieke Monroy-Winter.
In
her speech, the Defender, referring to the issue of sex-selected abortions,
noted that despite the steps taken, sex-selected abortions continue to be a
serious and concerning problem for our society from the point of view of
protecting human rights and ensuring gender equality.
"The
reasons for this phenomenon are diverse: gender-based stereotypes, the
prevailing preference for having a son, as well as pressures within the family
and in the environment. It is necessary to understand that there are many
people around us who face this problem, which leaves a deep and painful impact
on their lives. Unfortunately, we often do not notice these people, their
emotions and experiences. We must not only combat the phenomenon of
sex-selective abortions but also raise public awareness of the issue and show
people who have experienced the problem in some way that they are not alone. In
this context, such initiatives are of exceptional importance, promoting a
change in public thinking and strengthening the culture of human rights protection,"
the Defender said.
The
film “Congratulations, It’s a Girl” dedicated to the topic of sex- selective
abortions was shown within the framework of the event.
The
film was produced with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
in Armenia and addresses the urgent issue of sex-specific abortions in Armenia.
Following
the screening, a panel discussion took place, featuring Human Rights Defender
Ms. Anahit Manasyan, the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Armenia, H.E. Ms.
Marieke Monroy-Winter, Member of Parliament Ms. Lilit Stepanyan, and Ms.
Eleonora Begoyan, President of the “Open Borders” Institute for Peace,
Democracy and Development NGO.
In
her concluding remark, the Defender emphasized that such events are important not
only for raising public awareness around the issue but also for fostering an
environment of respect, equality, and solidarity within society.
The
panel discussion was followed by a Q&A session on related topics.
The
event was organized in cooperation with the Open Borders Institute for Peace,
Democracy and Development NGO.
During
her visit to Gegharkunik region, Defender Ms. Anahit Manasyan also met with
Governor Mr. Karen Sargsyan. The meeting was also attended by Member of
Parliament Ms. Lilit Stepanyan.
The
parties referred a number of issues related to human rights protection as well
as socio-economic challenges. Special attention was given to the protection of
the rights of residents in border communities, particularly regarding access to
medical care and services, infrastructure development, and the affordability of
public transportation.
The
Defender emphasized the importance of the continuity of such discussions,
emphasizing that joint and coordinated work will provide an opportunity to
consistently improve those systems that have a direct impact on the quality of
people's lives.
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