Human Rights Defender Presents Post-War Human Rights Situation to Martina Schmidt

The Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan today met with Verena Taylor, the Director of the Directorate of Programmes at the Council of Europe, and Martina Schmidt, the newly appointed head of the Council of Europe Office in Yerevan.

Arman Tatoyan congratulated Martina Schmidt on her mission, praising the strong cooperation with the Council of Europe and particularly with the office in Yerevan.

During the meeting, the Human Rights Defender presented the results of his fact-finding efforts regarding the rights of residents at the border areas of Syunik and Gegharkunik.

It was specifically emphasized that the authorities of Azerbaijan are artificially politicizing the process of releasing and returning prisoners.

The Human Rights Defender also addressed the issues faced by individuals displaced from Artsakh due to the war that occurred between September and November 2020, referring to the relevant emergency report based on his fact-finding work.

Additionally, the meeting discussed issues related to the protection of women's rights, including awareness campaigns led by the Human Rights Defender aimed at breaking stereotypes, as well as journalists' capacity development regarding reporting on domestic violence cases.

Arman Tatoyan highlighted that during the state of emergency declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a working group was established within the Defender's office to address issues concerning the protection of women's and children's rights and the prevention of domestic violence. This was particularly necessary as studies indicated an increase in the risk of violence against women, children, and the elderly during that period due to worldwide pandemic prevention measures (isolation, absence from work, etc.), which led to social issues as a side effect.

During the meeting, the parties agreed to expand the scope of their cooperation.