Joint Monitoring Experience of Armenia’s Ombudsman and Georgia’s Public Defender at State Border Checkpoints Exemplary in Europe

The European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) has published an article stating that the joint experience of Armenia's Human Rights Defender and Georgia's Public Defender in the ongoing monitoring of state border checkpoints is considered a leading example in Europe. This has marked the first attempt between Armenia and Georgia in this regard.

ENNHRI aims to protect and promote human rights in Europe. The organization consists of 40 national institutions for human rights from the EU and the Council of Europe. The network serves as an effective platform for the exchange of experiences, support, and addressing common issues among its members in various fields.

The publication provides information regarding the authorities of the two institutions in the field of protecting the rights of migrants, asylum seekers, and individuals in need of international protection. It also discusses the principles of cooperation and joint work concerning the ongoing monitoring at state border checkpoints.

ENNHRI has highlighted the role of UNHCR offices in both countries as a positive example of this collaboration. The Human Rights Defender's Office has a stable and effective partnership with these organizations, aimed at ensuring mechanisms for the effective protection of the rights of asylum seekers, refugees, displaced persons, and migrants through the exchange of experiences and information.

The article also touches upon the training of border service personnel and other officials by the offices of Armenia’s Human Rights Defender and Georgia’s Public Defender, along with their partner organizations. The Human Rights Defender has consistently emphasized the crucial role of border troops in the protection of human rights. Notably, the periodic development of their capabilities is essential, primarily from the standpoint of ensuring the rights of individuals in need of international protection.