On
May 17, the Human Rights Defender of Armenia Ms. Anahit Manasyan hosted the
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland H.E. Mr. John Gallagher.
Welcoming
the Ambassador, Ms. Manasyan presented the priorities of the activities of the
institution, referring to issues related to protection of human rights. The
Defender highlighted her determination to combat intolerance, discrimination,
and hate speech within the context of her mandate.
Ms.
Manasyan informed the Ambassador about the human rights violations in the
border communities as a result of the acts of the Azerbaijani armed forces, and
the humanitarian issues caused by the blockade of the Lachin corridor. The
Defender also referred to the issues related to the urgency of guaranteeing the
rights of the Armenian Prisoners of War still held in Azerbaijan, and the urgency
of ensuring their return.
One
of the key topics of discussion was the “Promotion of Gender Equality in the
Law Enforcement System of Armenia” project funded by the Conflict, Stability,
and Security Fund of the UK government. The memorandum on the implementation of
the project was signed between the Human Rights Defender Institution and the
British Embassy on December 13, 2022.
The
aim of the project is to promote gender equality in the law enforcement system
of Armenia, by raising initial awareness, studying of international best
practices, and proposing legislative reforms, including by contributing to the
expansion of women's involvement in the Patrol Service of Armenia. The Defender
expressed her readiness to support the successful implementation of the joint
project.
In
his turn, H.E. Mr. John Gallagher, congratulating Ms. Manasyan on assuming the
mandate of the Human Rights Defender, expressed his willingness to continue
active cooperation in the field of human rights protection. He also presented
the package of programs implemented by the Embassy in Armenia.
The
interlocutors agreed to ensure the continuity of effective cooperation.
Հայերեն
