В Армении стартовал трехдневный семинар по профилактике домашнего насилия при поддержке немецкого фонда

On July 15, a three-day workshop titled "Prevention of Domestic Violence and Protection of Victims of Domestic Violence" commenced at the Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia. Organized in cooperation with the German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation (IRZ), the initiative aims to strengthen the capacities of the Human Rights Defender's staff and involved specialists, facilitate the exchange of experience, and foster effective mechanisms for preventing domestic violence and protecting the rights of victims, particularly children. Armenia's Human Rights Defender, Anahit Manasyan, delivered the opening remarks. Welcoming the participants, she emphasized that preventing domestic violence, ensuring gender equality, and protecting the rights of women and children are strategic priorities for the Human Rights Defender’s institution. She stressed that an effective response to violence requires not only solid legal regulations but also continuous professional training, inter-agency cooperation, and the consistent application of rights-based approaches. Manasyan noted that despite certain positive developments in recent years, significant challenges persist in these areas, requiring consistent and coordinated efforts. She highlighted that developing the skills of frontline professionals working in the provinces outside Yerevan is especially critical, as the success of prevention and the accessibility of protection mechanisms depend heavily on their preparedness. She also highly praised the partnership with the IRZ in promoting international human rights standards and building national capacity. Nelli Tumasyan, the IRZ Armenian Program Coordinator, welcomed the Ombudsman and her staff, emphasizing the long-term cooperation between the two structures and the value of such training sessions in strengthening local capacities. During the workshop, Lilit Aghajanyan, Head of the Department for Ensuring Conventional Mandates at the Human Rights Defender’s Office, presented a thematic report addressing domestic violence prevention, victim protection, children's rights, and the importance of rights-sensitive approaches. German experts also shared international practices and practical methods for responding to cases of abuse. The workshop features interactive sessions, experience sharing, and professional discussions aimed at identifying current challenges and developing practical solutions. The training will continue for two more days. On July 16, a targeted training session will be held in the Artashat community of the Ararat Province for healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, local self-government bodies, and civil society representatives. The final event will take place on July 17 in Yerevan, bringing together representatives from state bodies in healthcare, social protection, and education, along with representatives from child care facilities and civil society organizations.