The procedures for the protection of human rights must be equally accessible to every individual, regardless of their place of residence.

15-07-2026 10:12 Armenia Human Rights

The Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan organized an awareness-raising event related to rights in the village of Zartonq, Armavir Province. The event was carried out in collaboration with the Office of the Human Rights Defender and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Republic of Armenia.

During her working visit to Armavir Province in April 2026, Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan met with residents of Zartonq, including women representing the Yezidi community. During the meeting, an agreement was reached to organize a thematic awareness-raising event related to rights in the village, which resulted in this organized event.

Participants in the event included Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Republic of Armenia Marieke Harriet Monroe-Winter, National Assembly member and representative of the Yezidi community Rustam Bakoyan, Armavir Governor Vahram Khachatryan, Mayor of Metsamor Edgar Hovhannisyan, Administrative Head of Zartonq Arshak Mkrtumyan, as well as women representing the village, including representatives of the Yezidi community.

During the meeting, a film supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands was screened, dedicated to the issues of gender-based artificial termination of pregnancies, the protection of women's and girls' rights, and gender equality.

After the film screening, an open discussion took place in a question-and-answer format. Participants addressed several issues related to the protection of women's rights, ensuring girls' right to education, overcoming gender stereotypes, and the protection of women's and children's rights in communities.

The event also featured Ellen Muradyan, a participant in the "Day on the Frontline of Rights Protection" project. Notably, the first participant of the project, Yezidi community representative Kristina Hasoyan from Zartonq, was also present at the meeting.

Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan emphasized the importance of holding such meetings in communities, highlighting that the procedures for the protection of human rights should be equally accessible to every individual, regardless of their place of residence. She particularly stressed the importance of raising awareness on rights-related issues in rural areas and among national minority communities as a crucial prerequisite for the effective protection of rights.

Summarizing the event, the Defender reaffirmed that the Office of the Human Rights Defender will continue its consistent work in rural areas, contributing to the strengthening of a culture of human rights protection, the effective protection of women's and children's rights, as well as the full realization of the rights of representatives of national minorities and ensuring equal opportunities.

HRD

* This text was automatically translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Noyan Tapan | Human Rights