“People do not confide in Ombudsman’s Office”
Armenian Ombudsman Armen Harutyunyan said Wednesday that the Ombudsman's Office had registered great progress during his term in office. Unlike Harutyunyan, former Human Rights Defender of Armenia says no structural or personnel changes have been made in the Ombudsman's Office during the past five year.
Larisa Alaverdyan notes that Armen Harurtyunyan has had great contribution to the country.
"He made weighty suggestions from the legal point of view. Harutyunyan made it clear that people should be consistent and do their utmost to restore their rights, specifically the right to property. This is a serious concern but even Armen Harutyunyan has been unable to address the problem though he has reinstated the rights of separate people during his tenure," said Larisa Alaverdyan.
"Restoration of the rights of 9000 Armenian citizens over the past five years is a positive though not satisfactory step. The number of applications is decreasing annually which means that the public does not confide in the structure. The next ombudsman should try to restore public confidence," she said.
Among the drawbacks of the Ombudsman's Office Larisa Alaverdyan pointed out to the lack of linkage between the office and Diaspora Armenians.
"The Ombudsman's Office does not react to the violation of rights of Diaspora Armenians," Mrs. Alaverdyan said.
Larisa Alaverdyan advises Armenian authorities to reconsider their behaviour towards the Armenian Ombudsman.
"Every year they criticize the ombudsman's reports (with the exception of the last one) and concentrate on separate cases. The criticism is obviously targeted at the ombudsman," she said.
According to our sources, human rights advocate Avetik Ishkanyan will be appointed RA Ombudsman. A1+ has been unable to reach Ishkanyan as the latter is not in the country.
