Armenia’s International Community to Honour Rights Advocates

Armenia’s International Community to Honour Rights Advocates

23 June 2016

U.S. Embassy, Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, British Embassy, OSCE Office in Yerevan, Council of Europe Office in Yerevan and Counterpart International honoured individuals working to promote human rights, accountable governance, rule of law, local government reform, rights of women, inclusion and free speech in Armenia at the Universal Rights Awards Ceremony at the “Congress” hotel  in Yerevan. Since 2012, the Universal Rights Awards Ceremony was the first initiative international community to highlight contributions of Armenia’s civil and political rights activists, government officials, and media and civil society representatives to the promotion of human rights.  Armenian government officials, foreign diplomats, civil society and press representatives attended the event.

Richard Mills, Jr., U.S. Ambassador to Armenia presented the “Media Excellence” Award to “Photolure” agency. “For its commitment to true, detached journalistic professionalism, I am honored to present this year’s Media Excellence Award to Photolure,” said Ambassador Mills.

Piotr A. Switalski, Ambassador and the Head of the European Union Delegation to Armenia awarded to Lori District Court judge Ms. Narine Hovakimyan with the new “Promoting Justice for All” Award.

Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Judith Farnworth gave the “Freedom Defender” award. “I am delighted to announce that the Freedom Defender award this year goes to a group of Citizen Observers in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the electoral transparency,” said the Ambassador.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator ad interim, Mr. Cristoph Bierwirth presented the “Government Reformer” award to Vache Terteryan.

The Head of the Council of Europe Office, Ms. Natalia Voutova handed over the “Promoting Inclusion” awarded to Zaruhi Batoyan. “Zaruhi Batoyan has done an impressive work in breaking taboos and changing public and societal attitude towards disability. The work of Ms. Batoyan as to how the public sees disability is to be highly praised. Hence, on behalf to Ms, Batoyan, as my organization is working towards one and the same goal,” said Ms. Voutova.

Ambassador Argo Avakov, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, presented “Woman of Courage” award to Ms. Jemma Hasratyan.  “Ms. Hasratyan is a highly active, well-respected public figure who has tirelessly sough to enhance women’s role in society and promoted democratic values. As a founder and president of the Armenian Association of Women with University Education NGO Ms. Hasratyan has shown consistency and proactive approach in advancing women’s involvement in political life and decision-making processes,” said Ambassador Avakov.