VIDEO: Armenian Ombudsperson's remarks at UN Human Rights Council Session

Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Anahit Manasyan, delivered a video address during the discussions on Armenia’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Manasyan said in a statement on social media that she addressed the role of her office in the monitoring of the implementation of the international human rights obligations assumed by Armenia.

“I also presented a number of priority directions of the institution’s activities, such as the prohibition and exclusion of torture and other forms cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. In this regard, I emphasized that the investigation of apparent cases of torture should be prompt, immediate and effective. I emphasized that despite some progress in this regard, the necessary standards for initiating and investigating proceedings related to torture are often not met and need further serious development. During my speech, I noted that the institution has developed its capabilities in the field of combating discrimination, highlighting the existence of serious human rights issues in this area. I also submitted a written statement for the session discussing the results of Armenia’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), in which I presented some issues related to individual areas of human rights,” Manasyan said on Facebook.