I Leave This Responsible Position with a Clear Conscience and Clean Forehead: Artak Beglaryan

Artak Beglaryan has just submitted a written resignation from the position of Human Rights Defender of Artsakh to the President of the National Assembly of Artsakh. In a post on Facebook, Beglaryan stated that he will continue to serve until he submits a second application within a week and the President of the National Assembly makes an official statement.

“My resignation is due to an offer to take another position in the state system, which I have accepted based on the existing challenges and needs. Although it was a very difficult decision, as I fully understand the necessity of effective and heartfelt work of the Human Rights Defender, especially during this time, I believe that in my new position I can serve my potential more effectively to the Homeland and the people by directly participating in the efforts to overcome the present crisis,” mentioned Beglaryan.

He indicated that he will present the detailed reasons for his decision, a brief summary of his activities, and his observations regarding the current situation in a press conference to be held tomorrow, December 23, at 11:00 AM in the small hall of the National Assembly of Artsakh, which will be broadcast live on the Facebook page and YouTube channel of the Artsakh Human Rights Defender.

Journalists not located in Artsakh can send their questions via email to the Facebook page until 9:00 AM on December 23.

“I leave this responsible position with a clear conscience and clean forehead, as I have invested my utmost professional and personal potential in the protection of human rights and the strengthening of the state during my two years in office. There is no incident in which I have betrayed my values, principles, and mission, but I also acknowledge my mistakes and omissions,” he added.

“I have always been open and sincere with citizens, straightforward and demanding with officials, and I have been guided not only by the principle of support but also by the principle of not harming. Those who know me well understand that serving people and protecting human rights is not only my duty but my essence.”

He expressed his gratitude to everyone and every institution that has accompanied him on this honorable service path, who has contributed in any way to the fulfillment of his duties and realization of his potential. Notably, he extended his deepest gratitude to the staff of the Artsakh Human Rights Defender, a small but dedicated team, without whose heartfelt work, nothing would have been achieved.

“I unequivocally state that thanks to them, the institution of the Defender has made significant strides towards establishment. In addition to the peaceful work of past days, I must highlight those individuals with whom we went through the entire war, whose works became reports and statements, who narrowly escaped death multiple times while fulfilling their moral and professional obligations.

“First of all, Igor Hayrapetyan from our small team was at the forefront of defending the Homeland throughout the war, while along with department head Arsen Saragyan, executive secretary Gegham G. Stepanyan, and involved expert Gurgen Nersisyan, we conducted our fact-finding activities in the background, while also providing various types of assistance to those facing challenges, while the girls supported the displaced and fulfilled a range of other roles in Yerevan.”

“I also want to express my gratitude to the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, and his team for our unprecedented cooperation, which has allowed us to achieve significant results. I thank all individual and institutional supporters, the citizens who trusted me, who believed in our goals and efforts with me.”

“Finally, I want to say that I am leaving the position of Human Rights Defender, but I will never abandon the positions of human rights protection. I will never renounce my essence and values. Therefore, wherever I may be, I will serve the same goals and the same principles—with even more multiplied vigor and more refined skills, especially during this pivotal time,” wrote the Human Rights Defender of Artsakh.