Concern Raised Over Public TV's Policy to Block Ombudsman's Broadcasts

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, has reported that the European Ombudsman Institute has issued a statement regarding the blocking of broadcasts of the activities of the Armenian Human Rights Defender by the Public Television of Armenia.

The statement particularly emphasizes: “It is of great concern to us that the Public Television of Armenia, having been established by the Government, is implementing a long-term policy of blocking the broadcasts of the activities of the Human Rights Defender. The Human Rights Defender of Armenia is independent and enjoys real respect; he is internationally recognized. The national institution of the Human Rights Defender plays an important role in the protection of human rights and the promotion of democracy. It raises citizens' awareness of their rights not only through statements but also via public awareness campaigns, and it contributes to citizens' oversight of public authorities.

It is extremely important that the Human Rights Defender of Armenia is an indispensable source of information in various fields (for example, the prevention of torture through visits to penitentiary institutions by the National Preventive Mechanism as an exclusive authority) and serves as a reliable source of information for alternative perspectives or the real situation in society. National human rights institutions are internationally protected (by the Council of Europe, OSCE, etc.). The policy of the Public Television of Armenia causes institutional damage to the public reputation of this constitutional institution, thereby limiting its effectiveness in safeguarding human rights.

We are closely monitoring the difficulties faced by the national human rights institution of Armenia in its relationships with public authorities across various sectors; however, this should not affect the attitude of the Government-established Public Television regarding broadcasting.

Therefore, we urge the Public Television of Armenia and the Council of the Public Broadcaster of Armenia to immediately end this unacceptable policy and restore the normal broadcast policy concerning the Human Rights Defender of Armenia. This is the way to promote a correct public discourse in the country.”