“All our actions on this issue must be effective and have a practical impact.” Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan said this during a briefing in Parliament, commenting on the Ombudsman’s efforts to secure the return of captives.
Anahit Manasyan also said that she had personally raised the issue of captives at numerous international platforms.
“It is as a result of raising this issue that many external actors want to deprive us of our status to some extent, because if you lose your status, you no longer have the opportunity to present a credible voice from high-level platforms,” she said.
The journalist asked what she meant by “depriving us of our status,” and Anahit Manasyan clarified that she was referring to the status granted by the UN to the Human Rights Defender’s Office.
According to Armenia’s Ombudsperson, this is an issue that concerns everyone, and each person is trying to find a solution within the scope of their capabilities.
Anahit Manasyan also recalled that, as a result of the work carried out, many captives had been able to return to Armenia, including through the efforts of Human Rights Defender institutions and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“It is our collective duty to work on this issue in such a way that every possible step is taken to ensure the return of these people,” she said.
