On
February 15, the Human Rights Defender Ms. Anahit Manasyan participated in the
parliamentary hearings on "Legislative reforms to raise the age limit for
marriages in the context of the protection of fundamental human rights" in
the National Assembly of Armenia as the main speaker.
The
hearings were attended by MPs, representatives of various state departments,
civil society, academic circles, and national minorities, as well as experts.
Ms. Anahit Manasyan addressed the issue from several perspectives, including
the right to education, women's rights, the right to health, etc. Considering
that the phenomenon of early marriages is quite widespread, including in
separate national minority communities, she also raised the issue from this
perspective.
She
emphasized that the protection and promotion of national minorities' rights are
key aspects of her work. In this context, the Defender highlighted that today,
there are several phenomena that are presented as traditions while in reality
they are stereotypical approaches, which in many cases are often not legally
justified.
“These
phenomena include early marriages, which have numerous negative consequences,
including the right to education, women's rights, the right to health, and
various other rights,” said the Defender.
Ms.
Manasyan noted that legislative changes are extremely important in terms of
solving problems, but they cannot be the only driving force for change in this
area: serious will and a clear methodology are needed.
“First
and foremost, the education system needs a fundamental reform, including in
higher educational institutions. Stereotypical approaches first spread
precisely through these institutions via the education system and the existing
environment. I feel it is necessary to emphasize that both the content of
education and the teaching process must align with the criteria present in the
modern world. This specifically relates to issues related to the equality and
prohibition of discrimination,” said Ms. Anahit Manasyan.
The
Defender also addressed the issue from the perspective of women's rights and
the proper environment and structures needed for their implementation. In
conclusion, Ms. Anahit Manasyan stated that solving issues requires close and
collaborative work between the state, civil society, and the relevant
communities.
Such
efforts will lead to the creation of an environment of tolerance and
solidarity. It should be noted that the parliamentary hearings on “Legislative
reforms to raise the age limit for marriages in the context of the protection
of fundamental human rights” were organized by the Acting Chair of the Standing
Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs of the National
Assembly, Rustam Bakoyan.
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