OSCE Office organizes human rights training for young activists from Armenia's regions

SEVAN, Armenia, 14 July 2009 - Twenty-seven young activists and representatives of non-governmental organizations from Armenia's regions completed an OSCE-supported training course on human rights in Sevan today. 

The five-day "Step Ahead" training course was organized by the Helsinki Committee of Armenia and the Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development with the support of the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the Delegation of the European Commission to Armenia. It aimed to strengthen the skills of young human rights activists from Armenia's regions to monitor, identify and report on human rights violations in their local communities.

"A strong civil society is a vital factor in a democratic society. I hope that this exercise of empowerment for young human rights activists will contribute to the improved protection of human rights in the regions and consolidation of democratic institutions in Armenia," said the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, Ambassador Sergey Kapinos.

The participants learned about freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, citizen participation in local government's decision-making procedures, tolerance, domestic and international human rights instruments and protection mechanisms.

"The younger generation is the driving force to achieve positive changes in a society. Changes in the mentality of young people, increased motivation and knowledge of human rights protection tools and mechanisms will result in more effective human rights protection in Armenia," said Avetik Ishkhanyan, the Chairman of the Armenian Helsinki Committee.

Human rights education is a part of the OSCE Office's activities aimed at increasing awareness of human rights protection mechanisms and strengthening the capacities of human rights advocates in Armenia.