UN Special Rapporteur presents her concerns
Upon the completition of a visit to Armenia, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Margaret Sekaggya, issued the following statement:
"While I welcome Armenia's commitment to promoting respect for human rights, as demonstrated by its ratification of a wide number of international human rights instruments, I also acknowledge the challenges faced by the Government of Armenia and its law enforcement officials," Margaret Sekaggya stated.
She reiterated a request to the Prime Minister to publicly acknowledge the role and importance of human rights defenders in achieving a flourishing, pluralistic and democratic society. She called on the Government, civil society and the Office to recognize the role of the Ombudsperson as an important actor in Armenian society.
At the same time, Margaret Sekaggya stressed the importance of strengthening the financial and material resources available to the Office of the Ombudsperson in order to allow the Office to fulfill its mandate more effectively.
"I note with concern the significant constraints imposed on the exercise of freedom of peaceful assembly in Armenia. While regulation by the authorities of freedom of assembly is legitimate, I have received reports of unreasonable and arbitrary restrictions being imposed by law enforcement agencies," she said.
She also voiced concern over the fact that "human rights defenders, in particular journalists, face physical risks and violence as a result of exercising their freedom of expression."
In this connection, she stressed that "prompt, thorough and transparent investigations of all human rights violations are crucial to create a safe and enabling environment in which human rights defenders can carry out their activities."
"While I commend the efforts already made, I would also like to emphasize the need to fully consult, include and incorporate the views of civil society and human rights defenders in decision-making processes, including the legislative process, formulation and implementation of national policies," Margaret Sekaggya said, urging both the Government and civil society to engage in constructive dialogue on the issues that are key for democratic development of the country.
