OSCE Office supports rock concert, film festival to mark International Human Rights Day in Armenia

A rock concert, a film festival on human rights and digital age, a youth debate and a moot court competition were among the OSCE-supported events held on 10 and 11 December 2012 in Yerevan and Vanadzor to mark International Human Rights Day.

“By encouraging young people to voice their views, we hope not only to promote understanding of and respect for key human rights principles, but also to empower young activists  to further spread the message of human rights for all,” said Ambassador Sorokin, the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

Rock bands Vordan Karmir, Bambir, Dogma and Lav Eli performed at a concert on 11 December in Vanadzor. The concert, held for the 3rd time, has become a tradition in promoting values of universal human rights and peace. 

The prizes for the Human Rights Film Festival were awarded by a jury comprised of representatives from international organizations, with the film Homo Habilis receiving first prize and the second prize going to Real rights in virtual life. A YouTube poll awarded the first prize to the film Enter and the second prize to Know your rights in the digital age. The films can be seen on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8B6BF00E8875C50&feature=view_all.

High school students from six regions of Armenia and the city of Yerevan participated in a moot court competition organized by the Human Rights Defender’s Office with the support of the OSCE Office.

Some 30 young people discussed human rights matters in a debate led by the Armenia’s Human Rights Defender, Karen Andreasyan, on 10 December.

The events were organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan, the UN Office in Armenia, the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, the Council of Europe Armenia Office, Armenia’s Human Rights Defender’s Office and Foreign Ministry.