OSCE and international partners honour human rights advocates in Armenia

Civil rights activists, government officials, media and civil society representatives were recognized for their contribution to promoting human rights in Armenia at an event co-organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan on 13 June 2013.

Naira Arakelyan, the Head of Armavir Development Centre received the Woman of Courage award.

Levon Barseghyan, Director of Asparez Club, was given Freedom Defender award for exceptional efforts in defending human rights.

Artavazd Varosyan, Alaverdi Mayor was recognized as the Local Government Reformer.

Media excellence award was presented to Civilnet TV.

Europe-in-Law non governmental organization was presented Civic Activism award acknowledging their exceptional efforts in mobilizing citizens to defend their electoral rights.

“This ceremony is an opportunity to honour the people working to promote human rights, accountable governance, civic activism and freedom of expression in Armenia,” the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, Ambassador Andrey Sorokin said. “The people who we see here have demonstrated courage and commitments promoting economic, social and political development in their communities and in Armenia as a whole.”

The event was co-organized with the United States Embassy, the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, British Embassy, the Council of Europe’s Office in Yerevan and the non-governmental organization Counterpart International.