This is not an exceptional case; there are many instances worldwide where women are deprived of their freedom - Ombudsman

Statement from the RA Ombudsman: As a result of ongoing monitoring of social media and mass media by the Human Rights Defender's Office, information has been received that a group of five human rights defenders has addressed the Ombudsman's statement, providing an assessment regarding the Ombudsman's activities.

We find it necessary to note that the protection of children's rights and the ongoing monitoring of the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child are among the essential functions of the Human Rights Defender. There have been numerous attempts to shape perceptions regarding the secondary nature of this issue, often aided by actors operating in the legal field. We must emphasize that this behavior is unacceptable, and any obstruction to the implementation of the HRD's powers in the field of children's rights or forming misleading public perceptions regarding this mandate is prohibited under international standards. Naturally, this issue should become a subject of discussion by competent international bodies.

We consider it unacceptable to exploit issues related to human rights, especially those concerning children, for purposes unrelated to rights or to attract public attention. Once again, we emphasize that rendering children vulnerable and failing to consider their best interests must be excluded, and no actor can obstruct the Human Rights Defender's and the HRD institution's activities that conform to international standards in this field.

We do not accept the exploitation of the content of the Ombudsman’s statement, where the formulations regarding a partner lawyer and other actors are presented with sufficient sensitivity and adherence to ethical norms.

Regarding the question linked to the detention in the mentioned case, any lawyer operating in Armenia is well aware of the legislative prohibition established for the Human Rights Defender not to interfere with the work of judges. Therefore, it is evident that there is no opportunity for the Defender to express a position regarding a specific case subject to a court's judgment. Moreover, any lawyer is aware that there are many instances worldwide where women are deprived of their freedom, often having young children. This is not an exceptional case, and it is necessary to analyze all its details and circumstances to form a final position, rather than gaining public dividends by