Armenian Ombudsman Urges Against Displaying Faces of Recipients of Aid

The Human Rights Defender of Artsakh, Gegham Stepanyan, has issued a statement urging against the display of the faces of Artsakh residents receiving aid, stating that exploiting such assistance is perceived as degrading.

“It is commendable that various organizations, including representatives of the Russian peacekeeping forces, are providing assistance to the public under the severe humanitarian conditions created, including assistance to pregnant women and children. However, I find it unacceptable to photograph individuals, especially children, without their faces covered and to disseminate those images on social networks. For a dignified resident of Artsakh, exploiting the assistance received and using it as a scene of pity is at least perceived as degrading, and numerous complaints have been submitted to the Ombudsman’s office regarding this issue. I urge all organizations and individuals providing aid to respect the right to personal privacy and dignity of people and to refrain from disseminating such photographs,” the statement reads.