Human Rights Defender of Armenia

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia (Armenian: Հայաստանի մարդու իրավունքների պաշտպան) is the official ombudsman, who, acting pursuant to the Constitution of Armenia, as well as, principles and norms of international law, protects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals.

Since 24 January 2022, Kristinne Grigoryan was elected as the Human Rights Defender of Armenia by the National Assembly.

Independent of whether the state is stable or not due to internal conflicts, non-democratic or having strong democratic practice, economically developing or not, the defenders role in a country is always crucial.

They seek to promote and protect human rights in the context of a variety of challenges, including societal development, migration, structural adjustment policies, and political transition.

To be considered as a candidate for the position of Human Rights Defender of Armenia, one must meet the following criteria: The National Assembly shall appoint the Defender by a vote of more than 3/5 of the general number of deputies from candidates nominated by the President of the Republic, 1/5 of the National Assembly deputies.

The Defender is not required to give explanations, including as a witness, about the essence of complaint or documents in their possession or provide them for familiarization, except in cases prescribed by law and order.

After making the decision regarding the adoption of the complaint the Defender is eligible to apply to appropriate state agencies or their officials to promote the investigation of the circumstances, which are subject of revelation.

The investigation of the issues mentioned in the complaint cannot be done by the central or local self-governing agency or their officials which decisions or acts (idleness) are being appealed.

After the discussion in 10 days the results about the complaint are being given to those central or local self-governing agencies or their official whose decision or acts (idleness) are being complained.

The mentioned is obliged to send his position and clarifications to the Defender no later than 15 days after receiving the results of investigation.

Any individual regardless of their nationality, citizenship, place of residence, sex, race, age, political and other views, and capabilities can appeal to the Defender.

The Defender is eligible to start the discussion of the issue on their initiative, especially in those cases when there is information about the mass violation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms, or it has unique social meaning, or is related to necessity of defending such persons’ interests who are not able to use the legal means of their defense themselves.

There are several acceptable grounds for termination, including: On the sixteenth of April with profound misgiving we gain from our Rapid Response group in Lori marz, that the human rights activists of Helsinki Citizens' Assembly Vanadzor Office had been assaulted.

Savagery towards any individual is unequivocally censured, and brutality towards persons with exceptional mission including human rights shields and writers is over and again denounced.

A genuine Christian, an accommodating Armenian, an advanced European can't express his difference by tossing stones.

Also is essential to find out urgently and to inform the society on why the Gala TV website activities were disrupted during the Election Day.