On June 27, the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, Ms. Anahit Manasyan, visited Ferik community of Armavir Province, which has a Yezidi population.
The visit was carried out jointly with Mr. Rustam Bakoyan, member of the National Assembly, a representative of the Yezidi community at the National Assembly, and acting chairman of the Standing Committee on Human Rights Protection and Public Affairs. Representatives of the National Assembly, Armavir Regional Administration, the Human Rights Defender's Office, as well as non-governmental organizations also participated.
Ms. Anahit Manasyan toured the Ferik Rzalie Rashidi Ozmanyan Primary School, got acquainted with the building conditions on site, talked with the teaching staff and students, emphasizing the importance of resolving the problems raised.
The Defender noted that the protection of the rights of national minorities is one of the most important directions of her activity, emphasizing the need not only to ensure these rights, but also to promote them.
“I consider it a priority to unite all our efforts for the full protection and promotion of the rights of national minorities in our country. It is impossible to have a complete system of human rights protection without public solidarity, and ensuring equality of rights is fundamental on the way to achieving solidarity,” the Defender noted.
The discussion focused on a number of issues of concern to representatives of national minorities, including the realization of the right to education, access to transportation, preservation of national and ethnic identity, and issues related to language, religion, traditions, and culture.
The Defender specifically emphasized that the state has a positive obligation to guarantee and promote the opportunities for the preservation and development of the identity of national minorities. At the same time, the active participation of communities in these processes was emphasized.
Referring to children's rights, Ms. Anahit Manasyan emphasized that ensuring the best interests of the child and protecting the rights are among the priorities of the Human Rights Defender's Office. In this context, the role of the state as the primary duty-bearer in the protection of children's rights was emphasized.
All issues raised during the visit will be summarized and, within the framework of the Defender’s mandate, will be presented to state bodies in order to find appropriate solutions.
