A final conference “Human Rights Strengthening through Capacity Building of Selected NGOs” took place on 19 February 2010. The Conference provided the space to reflect on the major outcomes of the completed “Human Rights Strengthening through Capacity Building of Selected NGOs” program aimed at strengthening the institutional and advocacy capacities of six NGOs -“Helsinki Citizen’s Assembly Vanadzor Office”, “Fund against the Violation of Law”, “Unison” NGO for Support of People with Special Needs, “Collaboration for Democracy”, “Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression”, and “A.D. Sakharov Human Rights Protection Armenian Center”. The focus of the activities of these NGOs was promoting free speech and independent media; increasing human rights protection issues in closed and semi-closed institutions; developing policy recommendations for making such institutions more open for civic control; and protecting the rights of vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Speaking of their project Mr. Alaverdyan from UNISON introduced the program achievements. He mentioned they have established independent life centers for people with disabilities in Yerevan and Meghri. Due to their work they managed to break the stereotype of disabled people as those unable to work and helped 40 people to find jobs. Establishing a hot line to assist people with disabilities, providing judicial assistance, increasing awareness of own rights were major parts of the project. They also monitored local elections. All these activities helped not only to have an impact on the situation, but also build their organizational capacity.
Stepan Danielyan from “Collaboration for Democracy” NGO, which was tackling issues related to religious minorities, mentioned that it was very hard to work in this area as the resistance from state and some institutions is too big. Religious rights are violated severely, while the police do not process cases. People get intimidated and harassed. Additionally, TV is called to inseminate religious enmity. All cases that somehow get legal resonance get closed. He also mentioned that many students in school get pursued by teachers and headmasters for their religious affiliations. Thus, to mitigate the situation their organization responded to such cases; monitored the situation, participated in policy making in this area, etc. They publish “Religion and society” monthly magazine, created and maintain www.religions.am website, aired 9 TV programs, talk shows, and organized numerous discussions. His introduction was followed by many questions from the audience.
The representatives from “Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression” introduced the main components of their program - regular monitoring of mass media in regions, conducting roundtables, TV programs on urgent issues, followed law changes, etc. They also detected hidden censorship and voiced about them. The NGO established a hotline, which has been used very effectively, and formed rapid response groups to react to situations. He brought many examples of censorship, such as certain TV stations not at all elucidating election frauds. Due to their activities the regional media has improved on many parameters. He also informed that the language of news releases is still a big issue.
The regional offices Sakharov Center presented their observations on human rights situation and introduced the capacity building activities of their organization. They serve as a resource center for all agencies that have no conditions but have desire to be engaged in the sphere of human rights protection. A good example is the creation of public council of “like-minded” organizations. Besides this, the Center also provided free juridical services to vulnerable citizens, supported the adoption of legislative acts, participated in local council meetings, etc.
Through their Economic Rights Protection project, “Fund against the Violation of Law” mainly tackled community economic development, children’s rights, etc. The project aims at changing the legislative and executive/law enforcement practice in the sphere of protection of economic rights, in particular, property and labor rights. A civic center was created in the town of Berd, counseling and assistance in court proceedings on property rights violations, labor rights, cadastre issues, has been provided to over 1500 people.
Within its project “Helsinki Citizen’s Assembly Vanadzor Office” formed rapid response mechanisms to respond to human rights violations. They expanded monitoring activities and providing legal services in Lori marz. Through building own legal capacity, they provided free legal consultations, protection in court, collection of data and actions on human rights violations, etc. They also formed monitoring groups in mental health institutions, orphanages, closed institutions and elderly homes. The organization chairman stated that due to the project they were able to recruit and maintain capable teams.
All of the presentations were followed by questions and answers as well as discussions on what has been done and what still needs to be done, such as organize similar discussions in marzes, announce competitions to enhance capacities of print media in marzes, etc. Wrapping up, the Open Society Institute thanked all those organizations that worked within the program for the past three years as well as those who came to take part.
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