Armenia Achieves Significant Gains in Democracy, Says OSCE ODIHR Director

In 2019, Armenia recorded significant gains in the realm of democracy, stated Ingiborg Solrun Gisladottir, Director of the OSCE ODIHR, in an interview with Voice of America. She made her remarks during a hearing before the Congressional Helsinki Commission in Washington on Wednesday.

“2019 saw noticeable positive progress in Armenia. The OSCE ODIHR’s election observation mission evaluated the elections in Armenia positively. Thus, Armenia has made serious advancements. However, we cannot make demands, but we would like to present the Armenian authorities with certain reform proposals aimed at making the electoral code and the legal judiciary sector more transparent and impartial,” Gisladottir noted.

Gisladottir was invited to the Congressional hearing to discuss issues related to human rights protection within the OSCE area. Opening the hearing, Congressman Joe Wilson emphasized that, considering new challenges, the importance of the ODIHR's work has grown significantly.

“It is unfortunate that in some countries there is a lack of sufficient political will in the area of human rights protection and the establishment of democratic values. Furthermore, some OSCE member states are trying to obstruct the deepening of democracy among other member countries,” Wilson stated.

In response, Ambassador Gisladottir highlighted that human rights and democracy are considered by the OSCE not only in the context of rights but also of security. “Without political and social diversity, without an independent judiciary, free media, and a strong civil society, there can be no democracy, and democracy is also an important guarantee of security,” she asserted.

Discussing new challenges, the ODIHR director emphasized the issue of technological advancements, particularly relating to social networks. “Online and social media sources are often misused for spreading discrimination and even inciting violence. It is essential to clearly remember that digitalization does not change legal boundaries, and human rights are as valid online as they are in the real world and must be protected just as clearly,” she noted.