A group of civic organizations announced on May 27th their plans to implement public actions aimed at protecting human rights. During the protests on that day, employees of the RA Ombudsman’s Office organized various activities to maintain public order and safeguard peaceful demonstrations. These activities included using communication devices to coordinate participants, providing security through the presence of specific individuals, and ensuring that law enforcement agencies refrained from using force. Similar actions were also carried out near the headquarters of the CCA.

It is not surprising that the employees of the Ombudsman’s Office took such measures to protect and promote the public order necessary for the safeguarding of human rights. The existing procedures governing the actions of judicial personnel remain unchanged. They continue to exercise their powers as before, regardless of whether those powers involve the use of force, making arrests, or addressing violations of the right to freedom. However, these actions occur only in the context of freedom of assembly and the exercise of individual rights.

The exercising of freedom of assembly, as well as the protection of opinion and expression, are fundamental human rights. Every individual has the right to peacefully organize gatherings and participate in them without interference, regardless of whether law enforcement agencies employ force or not. The use of similar methods by those agencies undermines the principle of non-interference in political processes.

In line with the requirements of the internal government and the national committee of the RA, we demand that actions be taken to protect the rights of Ombudsman’s Office employees directly involved in peaceful activities. This includes ensuring comprehensive protection of human rights and creating conditions that allow for the exercise of those rights.

It is necessary to consider the temporary nature of the current political situation and to avoid any actions that may result in the violation of the aforementioned rights during the implementation of planned actions. Doing so will help maintain peace and enable the democratic processes in the country to proceed peacefully.

To uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights, it is important to prevent the selective use of force and actions that undermine the value and protection of human rights. This is consistent with principles of law, human rights, and the requirement of equal treatment for all citizens. The government must take steps to remove employees who do not meet these criteria.

Protecting and enforcing human rights necessitates maintaining peace, preventing abuses of power, and ensuring the well-being of all peaceful participants during public gatherings. The government must act impartially and respond to violations to prevent the spread of unnecessary violence.

The establishment of a democratic society and the protection of human rights are of utmost importance. We urge the government to take immediate action to prevent any unnecessary violence, refrain from actions that undermine the value of human rights, and carry out initiatives that promote equal participation in peaceful gatherings.