By NHRI mandate
By topic
Enabling environment for HRDs & CSOs
Environmental HRDs
Freedom of assembly and association
Freedom of expression
Freedom of the media
Funding of CSOs
Non-government controlled territories
Prohibition of discrimination
Protection of HRDs
Right to a fair trial
Right to an effective remedy
Right to privacy
Right to respect for private and family life
Sustainable Development Goals
Whistleblowers
Women HRDs
By country
Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia
In 2018, the State Revenue Committee of Armenia proposed draft amendments to the Law on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that interfered with the right to freedom of association. Among them were ones that would oblige all NGOs to publicise the content of their annual reports, information about their financial activities, projects, number of employees and personal data of their employees, among other requirements.
In 2024, the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia actively monitored the human rights situation during widespread protests and assemblies in Yerevan and across the provinces. Rapid response teams from the Defender’s Office visited police departments in which detained protesters were held, conducted private interviews, informed individuals of their rights, and assessed conditions firsthand. The Office also reviewed submitted complaints and conducted ongoing monitoring of mass media and social media to identify rights violations and take appropriate action. Throughout this period, the Defender issued public statements urging state authorities to safeguard the peaceful nature of assemblies and uphold fundamental rights.
The Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia cooperates with human rights defenders (HRDs) and NGOs in a continuous and systematic way across all areas of human rights protection. Cooperation is implemented though various formats, including the establishment of councils adjunct to the NHRI. These are composed of representatives of CSOs, HRDs, and independent experts. At the present time, the Defender’s Office has established six public councils adjunct to the Defender.
The council adjunct assists the work of the NHRI on specific thematic areas. For instance, in September 2024, the Human Rights Defender of Armenia held a session of the Public Council on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Persons of Belonging to National Minorities. During the session representatives of NGOs participated in the drafting works of the Law on National Minorities. The observations, comments, and suggestions regarding the draft law were summarised and presented to the competent state bodies.
In June 2024, the Human Rights Defender – with the support of UNICEF – organised a regular session of the Public Council on Children and Youth Rights adjunct to the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia. The event was a unique opportunity for children to address their questions to officials and decision-makers.