I had an important meeting with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Ms. Marija Pejčinović Burić in Strasbourg yesterday.
We discussed a broad scope of issues related to the Armenian recent developments, as well as the human rights system of the country.
We, in particular, had a discussion on judicial reforms; fight against torture and its prevention, ill-treatment prevention in closed institutions and activities of the Human Rights Defender in these areas.
We dedicated a separate discussion to human rights in Armed forces, protection of military servicemen and their family members’ rights, as well as women’s role in the Army. The meeting highlighted importance of the Council of Europe project on human rights in Armed forces that is implemented in partnership with the Human Rights Defender and the Ministry of Defense.
The Council of Europe Council of Europe – Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law headed by Mr. Christos Giakoumopoulos has an invaluable role in implementation of these projects in Armenia; trustworthy and high quality cooperation between the Directorate and the Human Rights Defender is established.
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The meeting with the Secretary General also discussed women’s and children’s rights. It was highlighted that steps towards prevention of violence against women and children; towards increase of women’s role in the society should be active and continuous. Here I highlighted high quality and trustworthy cooperation with the Council of Europe Directorate General for Democracy headed by Ms. Snežana Samardžić-Marković (Snezana Markovic).
Insulating and hate speech that are observed in social media, as well as awareness raising campaigns conducted by the Human Rights Defender were also discussed.
Of course, the Council of Europe Yerevan Office is our important partner and I appreciate cooperation with our professional colleagues. We also have important cooperation with the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Dunja Mijatovic and the Directorate General for Programs Ms. Verena Taylor.
I am glad that the Secretary General highlighted high quality relations of the Council of Europe and the Human Rights Defender, as well as the important role of the Defender in protecting human rights in the country and shaping the country’s human rights system.
Human Rights Defender of Armenia
