Human rights defender Anahit Manasyan received the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights students who made a familiarization visit to Armenia. Anahit Manasyan presented the Human Rights Defender’s mission, the work’s directions and priorities, and the scope of his powers.
During the meeting, the Defender presented his professional path and experience, noting that for him, the position of Human Rights Defender is not just a job but a mission that is carried out on a daily and continuous basis and that by choosing that path, you are no longer obliged to serve an inseparable human being. They are guaranteeing, promoting, and protecting rights.
The meeting continued with the presentation of several sectoral questions by the students, and discussions were held on the current challenges in protecting human rights and freedoms. The defender discussed with the student’s such vital topics as the violations of the rights of the RA border population, the consequences of the humanitarian crisis caused by the blocking of the Lachin Corridor, as well as the anti-Armenian policy encouraged at the state level in Azerbaijan.
The defender also referred to the existing intolerance and hate speech in the whole world and in Armenia, stating: “Maintaining the principle of equality, exclusion of hatred and intolerance are among the priorities of my work. From this point of view, it is essential to change the methodology of legal education, to carry out activities aimed at increasing legal awareness.”
Anahit Manasyan also referred to the importance of guaranteeing the independence of the Human Rights Defender, emphasizing that to be independent, first of all, having an inner sense of independence is necessary.
At the end of the meeting, the Human Rights Defender thanked the students for an exciting and meaningful discussion, emphasizing that meetings in this format are crucial for addressing the existing problems in human rights protection and forming a constructive legal thought and culture.
