This is Problematic: Avinyan

The Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia, Tigran Avinyan, wrote on his Facebook page: “In any democratic state, the right to access information holds crucial importance. Each citizen of Armenia, by virtue of the Constitution, has the right to receive information about the activities of state and local self-government bodies and officials. Everyone has the freedom to seek, receive, and disseminate information and ideas.

It is of fundamental importance for the government to ensure transparency, participation, and effectiveness of the governance system through the realization of the right to freedom of information. Taking into account the citizens' complaints in this sector, we have examined the information available on the official websites of government bodies regarding the contact details of officials. It has been revealed that the work phone numbers and email addresses of officials are not published or are incomplete on several government websites. This is problematic, as it harms the transparency of the governance system, limits the accessibility of government bodies, and complicates communication between citizens and state bodies.

I have sent a directive to state agencies regarding the accessibility and publicity of information prescribed in Article 7 of the Law on Freedom of Information of the Republic of Armenia, including ensuring the publication of the names, surnames, positions, work phone numbers, and email addresses of officials of state bodies. State bodies have also been instructed to align their official websites with the requirements set forth by the Government of the Republic of Armenia. A public servant in the Republic of Armenia must be accessible to citizens. Public authority must ensure and protect the human rights guaranteed by the Constitution and laws.”