On March
5, the Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan had a meeting with the Secretary
General of the Council of Europe Ms. Marija Pejčinović Burić in Strasbourg.
During
the meeting the parties discussed a broad scope of issues related to the
Armenian recent developments, as well as the human rights system of the country.
In
particular, judicial reforms; fight against torture and its prevention,
ill-treatment prevention in closed institutions and activities of the Human
Rights Defender in these areas were discussed.
The
parties 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. Arman Tatoyan 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 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.
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 Arman Tatoyan highlighted high quality and
trustworthy cooperation with the Council of Europe Directorate General for
Democracy headed by Ms. Snežana Samardžić-Marković.
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.
The cooperation
with the professional colleagues from Council of Europe Yerevan Office, the
cooperation with the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Dunja
Mijatovic and the Directorate General for Programs Ms. Verena Taylor was also appreciated.
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.
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