There is no other method to build a stable and democratic society than the guarantee of rule of law and establishment of available structures for the protection of rights: The Human Rights Defender’s Office has been supplemented with another regional subdivision. On 4 July 2023, the solemn opening ceremony of the Lori regional subdivision of the Human Rights Defender’s Office took place in Vanadzor.

The Office is located in the central part of Vanadzor, at Tigran Mets 24/3. It will operate five days a week, but the issues of the residents of the region will be addressed on a round-the-clock schedule.

The Human Rights Defender, Ms. Anahit Manasyan, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Ms. Andrea Victorin, UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Natia Natsvlishvili, and Governer of Lori province, Mr. Aram Khachatryan took part in the solemn ceremony and delivered opening remarks.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of international institutions, various state bodies and civil society.

Welcoming the guests, the Defender highlighted that the establishment of the regional subdivision is a significant step towards the promotion and protection of human rights.

In this context, she particularly emphasized that the protection of human rights should be available and affordable in all settlements of the Republic of Armenia.

“Shirak, Syunik, Tavush, Gegharkunik, and today Lori. I am proud to note that the territorial coverage of the Defender’s institution is expanding. The newly established subdivision will play significant role in the protection of human rights. I would like to express my gratitude to our international partners, in particular, honorable Ms. Andrea Victorin and Ms. Natia Natsvilishvili, who have diligently and devotedly supported the Human Rights Defender’s Office within the framework of various programs. Additionally, I express my gratitude to the Governor of the Lori province, Mr. Aram Khachatryan for participating in the opening ceremony of the subdivision,” stated the Defender.

At the same time, the Defender specially emphasized that the establishment of regional subdivisions is not merely a goal in itself, and in case of decent work it is an important guarantee from the point of view of implementation of the more effective protection of human rights. Ms. Anahit Manasyan further stressed that there is no other method to build a stable and democratic society than the guarantee of rule of law and establishment of available structures for the protection of rights.

Ms. Andrea Victorin and Ms. Natia Natsvlishvili extended congratulations on the occasion of opening of the regional subdivision, highlighting the importance of the development of human rights protection in the provinces.

In his turn, Mr. Tigran Madatyan, Head of the regional subdivision, presented the situation of human rights protection in the province, recorded issues, as well as the vision and directions of further activities. He assured that no effort or energy would be spared in fulfilling the mission of protecting the rights of the province’s population.

The opening of the Lori regional subdivision of the HRDO took place with support of the “Accountable Institutions and Human Rights Protection in Armenia” Project financed by the EU and implemented jointly UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA and OSCE.