The issue of Armenian prisoners concerns not only Armenians, it also concerns the international community - Anahit Manasyan

YEREVAN, JULY 17, ARMENPRESS. Armenpress spoke with Armenian Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan about the issue of Armenian prisoners detained in Azerbaijan, the provision of social guarantees for people forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, the security of the Tavush border settlements and the protection of people's rights in that context, the practice of detention in Armenia, hate speech and the upcoming programs of the Human Rights Defender.

In this context, Manasyan stated that he has raised the issue of the return of Armenian prisoners held captive in Azerbaijan and violations of their rights in various international organizations.

 According to the defender, the issue of Armenian prisoners concerns not only Armenians, it also concerns the international community, since violations of the basic rights of prisoners lead to various perceptions of their lack of protection in the world.

 - Ms. Manasyan, more than a year has passed since you were elected to the position of Human Rights Defender. I would like you to highlight the most important achievements you have recorded this year.

 - I will highlight several important areas in which we have been very active this year.

There are areas where we have made significant progress. In particular, this is the area of equality and anti-discrimination, where in almost all areas the activities of the Human Rights Defender developed in a completely different logic. 

This area was highlighted because many international organizations, including those evaluating the institution of the Human Rights Defender, provided various comments regarding the further improvement of the Defender's activities.

 This year, we held numerous events related to the rights of national minorities, people with disabilities, gender equality, and other issues, which were notably different from the activities carried out in previous years.

 Specifically, if you look at the annual report of the Human Rights Defender, you will notice significant differences in these areas.

We have carried out a wide range of activities in the Armed Forces on the protection of human rights, the protection of human rights in criminal proceedings, the prevention of torture and ill-treatment, freedom of gathering, freedom of speech, overcoming the environment of hate speech and intolerance in general. 

In the future, we will continue to implement these types of activities on a much larger scale. Additionally, we have conducted events in several other areas, which I can elaborate on in response to other interview questions.

Complete interview in its Armenian version.