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2015 PFP Reciprocal Travel Program for U.S. Participants

PROJECT SUMMARY

“Strengthening human rights protection in Armenia through

NGO empowerment and promotion of their interaction with

State Agencies”

(with special focus on voting rights)

Implementing country: Armenia

Visiting Expert: Marcia Johnson-Blanco, Co-Director of the Voting Rights Project in the

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights under Law, Washington D.C.

Hosting Institution: Promotion of Constitutionalism and Human Rights NGO

Hosting Expert: Mariam Evoyan, Founder of the Promotion of Constitutionalism and

Human Rights NGO, Chief Specialist at the Department for Relations with the European

Court of Human Rights, Ministry of Justice, PFP 2015 Fall alumni

Dates of visit: 18-25 April, 2016

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Project Goals and Objectives…………………………..…….…3

2. Project implementation……………………………………………….………..4

3. Feedback from the US participant ……………………………………………29

4. Attachment 1: Final schedule of the program……………………………..…31

5. Attachment 2: Agenda of the round table-discussion ……………………....33

WE LOVE ARMENIA!

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PROJECT GOALS

Goal 1.- Promote cooperation of Armenian NGOs with the RA Government, considering the

US practice in the relevant filed,

Goal 2.- Establish of true democracy and active involvement of society in public policy issues

in Armenia, as well as accountability of the Government before the international organizations

and its own society

Goal 3.- Disseminate information among the stakeholders on the experience of Armenia and

the US in the field of human rights protection, with a special focus on voting rights

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

Objective 1.- To increase Human Right NGOs’ and active citizen’s awareness of human rights

protection mechanisms through implementing a round table-discussion on development of

political rights in Armenia.

Objective 2.- To have meetings with state officials and discuss human rights protection

mechanisms in Armenia and share experience regarding voting rights issues and legislation

Objective 3.- To Improve Human Rights NGOs’ skills in writing Shadow reports to the UN

and other international organizations about violation of human rights in Armenia

Objective 4.- To share voter education practice of the NGOs as a method of engaging the public

during presidential elections

Objective 5.- To study the U.S. best practice on how NGOs can effectively advocate before the

Government and explore how to use UN mechanisms in domestic advocacy

Objective 6.- Experience exchange and further cooperation between the Human Rights NGOs

of Armenia and the U.S.

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DAY 1

APRIL 18, 2016

City tour, meeting with American Councils Armenia representatives and free time

Mrs. Johnson-Blanco arrived in

Yerevan on April 18, early in the

morning. Since the flight was quite

exhausting, the first day was spent

on general informative tour

through the Republic Square of

Yerevan and meeting with the

American Councils Armenia

representatives.

Welcome dinner with the host family

Later, on the same day a

Welcome dinner was

arranged at the Fellows

house by the Fellow’s family

who were also hosting the

U.S. participant.

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DAY 2

APRIL 19, 2016

Live interview on Armenian National Television

The second day started with a live

interview on Armenian National

Television on “Aravot luso” TV

program. In the discussion an

emphasize was made on the issues

that both the Republic of Armenia

and the United States face today and on the methods

of ensuring voting rights protection in both countries.

As a result, both the similarities and differences

between those countries were revealed, and the

importance of people’s awareness of their rights was

highlighted.

The interview was covered by the Armenian National

TV channel and via the following means of electronic

media (watch from 7:30 to 21:20):

http://www.1tv.am/hy/videos/2016/04/19/%D4%B1%D5%BC%D5%A1%D5%BE%D5%B8%

D5%BF-%D5%AC%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%BD%D5%B8-%D5%B4%D5%A1%D5%BD-

II/37629

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Visit to Matenadaran and a guided tour there

After the interview, a visit to

Matenadaran (Mesrop Mashtots Institute

of Ancient Manuscripts) was made and a

guided tour was arranged there.

Matenadaran is a repository of ancient manuscripts, research institute and museum

in Yerevan, Armenia. It holds one of the world's richest depositories of

medieval manuscripts and books which span a broad range of subjects, including history,

philosophy, medicine, literature, art history and cosmography in Armenian and many other

languages.

Visiting Matenadaran was a great opportunity for the US participant to reach to the deeps of

Armenian culture and to understand the history of nation.

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Visit to Cascade and Cafesjian Centre for the Arts

During the cultural program dated on 19

April 2016, Mrs. Johnson-Blanco had an

opportunity to visit Cascade and Cafesjian

Centre for the Arts and to see the capital

city from the highest point.

The Cafesjian Center for the Arts exhibits

unique works of modern art and is

dedicated to bringing the best of

contemporary art to Armenia and

presenting the best of Armenian culture to

the world.

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Meeting with Clark Price, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Armenia

On the same day, with the help of

American Councils Armenia

representatives, a meeting with

the U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of

Mission Clark Price was arranged.

Issues concerning promotion of

American-Armenian cooperation

were discussed. The changes in

the Armenian society and civic

education, necessity of NGO

empowerment were highlighted. The US participant and the Armenian Fellow also referred

to the upcoming official meetings, the round table-discussion and their expectations, as well

as the overall exciting experience they have within the PFP project.

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Business dinner with the PCHR NGO staff

Later, a business dinner with the

Promotion of Constitutionalism

and Human Rights NGO was

organized at Yerevan Pandok

Restaurant, a restaurant with

Armenian National Dishes.

At the dinner President of PCHR

NGO, Aram Vardevanyan, Vice

President Anush Margaryan, and

other staff members were

present. The participants discussed the upcoming workshop, where both the US participant,

and the PCHR NGO representatives were the speakers. Also a reference to the voting rights

protection mechanisms in the US and in Armenia, was made. The Armenian colleagues shared

with the US participant the problems Armenia faces today, and the measures undertaken by

the PCHR NGO and civil society for their solution.

After the dinner a walk through Yerevan city center was made, letting the US participant to enjoy its night beauty.

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DAY 3

APRIL 20, 2016

Round-table discussion on the development of political rights in Armenia

The third day of the

project was wholly

dedicated to the

round table-

discussion on the

development of

political rights in

Armenia, which was

held at “Garni” hall of

Ani Plaza Hotel.

The event was aimed

at representation to

the public of current situation and prospects of development of political rights in Armenia,

within the framework of Constitutional amendments of 2015, acting legislation and judicial

practice, as well as promotion of constructive dialogue between the State and civil society,

NGOs in the field of human rights protection.

Together with the US participant, whose speech was dedicated to the Legal Regulation and

Practical Implementation of Voting Rights in the United States of America, the speakers at the

conference were: the Advisor to the President of Constitutional Court of Armenia and

President of PCHR NGO - Aram Vardevanyan (Had a speech on Constitutional Reforms

Undertaken in the Area of Prisoner's Rights to Vote); Vise-President of PCHR NGO – Anush

Margaryan (Had a speech on Political rights of persons with disabilities in Armenia and

impediments towards their enjoyment on an equal basis with others) ; Alum of the Law Faculty

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of Georgetown University- Alexander Harutyunyan (Had a speech on Parliamentary

Governance System as a Guarantee of Political Rights Protection).

At the round table discussion representatives from the Ministry of Justice of Armenia

(Department for Legislation Development and Legal Analyses, Department for Relations with

the European Court of Human Rights, Penitentiary Service), Chamber of Advocates of

Armenia, Government of Armenia, National Assembly of RA, Constitutional Court of RA,

Prosecutor’s Office, US Embassy in Armenia, American Councils Armenia, German Agency

for International Cooperation (GIZ), EU Delegation, representatives of different human rights

NGO’s, representatives of civil society and students were present.

As a result, a fruitful discussion was made and the issues concerning human rights protection

in Armenia, with special focus on voting rights, were revealed, as well as the methods of

Strengthening of human rights protection through NGO empowerment, and the practice of

NGOs in the United States of America in that regard, were discussed.

The Round table-discussion was covered by the Armenia TV channel.

The Agenda of the Round table-discussion and the list of participants are attached.

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Having rest after the round table-discussion!

After the exhausting and fruitful round table-discussion the US participant was taken back

home and given the opportunity to have a rest, to spent some time with the Armenian fellows’

family, who were also hosting her, and to get ready for the next-day meetings with the officials

and some cultural program.

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DAY 4

APRIL 21, 2016

Meeting with Ruben Melikyan, Head of the Academy of Justice of RA

The morning of the fourth day of

the outbound project was marked

with an official meeting with the

Head of Justice Academy of the

Republic of Armenia. During the

Mr. Melikyan represented the US

participant the functions of

Justice Academy, its cooperation

with the NGOs and its role in the

human rights protection in

Armenia. The highlight was made on such functions of the Academy of Justice as: provision of

initial trainings - development of necessary knowledge and skills, advancement of professional

knowledge for persons who are on the list of candidates for the positions of judges, prosecutors

and investigators; and provision of continuous trainings - continuous improvement of

professional knowledge and working skills of acting judges, prosecutors, investigators, judicial

and prosecution officials, judicial servants, etc. Mr. Melikyan highlighted the procedures of

entering and studying at the Justice Academy, and further appointment to positions of judges,

investigators, prosecutors and bailiffs.

Whereas, the US participant emphasized that in the United States there is no such institution

that will be responsible for initial and continuous trainings of judges, prosecutors, investigators

and bailiffs. The US participant highlight that in the US the state judges are elected for a certain

period (about 4 years), and they are not required to be lawyers. Moreover, they do not usually

have any trainings, such as in Armenia, and it could be a good example for the US for provision

of human rights protection and promotion of democracy and professionalism of officials.

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Visit to Komitas Museum-Institute and a guided tour there

Later, a guided tour at Komitas Museum-Institute was organized.

This Institute is an art and biographical museum in Yerevan, devoted to the renowned

Armenian musicologist and composer Komitas Vardapet. The latter’s personal belongings are

grouped in the museum. The life and work of Komitas, activities related to his musical and

religious careers along with his rich heritage of researches in Armenian folkloric music, are

permanently exhibited in eight sections of the museum.

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Visit to “Baghdasar” Studio and meeting its founder Sargis Baghdasaryan

After the guided

tour at Komitas

Museum-Institute, a

visit to an Armenian

artisan Sargis

Baghdasaryan’s

Studio was made.

Here, the US

participant got

acquainted with the

process of

handcrafting of exclusive handmade jewelries, stones, metals, eggs, woods and other materials.

Visit to Yerevan History Museum and a guided tour there

Afterwards, a visit to the

Yerevan History Museum and a

guided tour there was arranged.

There are more than 87,000

objects exposed in the Yerevan

History Museum. They

represent the local material and

spiritual culture from ancient

times to the present day.

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The collections of archaeology, ethnography,

numismatics, fine arts, written records,

photography and others, kept in the storage of the

museum, tell a vivid story about the past and the

present of the capital city and its people. There are

three scientific expositions of the museum that

have collected, studied and showed objects

highlighting the history of Yerevan.

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Meeting with Artyom Sedrakyan, Head of the Department for Relations with the European

Court of Human Rights, Ministry of Justice of Armenia

Later, on the same

day a visit to the

Department for

Relations with the

ECtHR, Ministry of

Justice, where the

Armenian fellow

works, was made.

Here Mrs. Johnson-Blanco had a meeting with the

Head of the Department for Relations with the

ECtHR, Artyom Sedrakyan, as well as the staff of that

department.

Mr. Sedrakyan highlighted the importance of the

European Convention on Human Rights and the

European Court of Human Rights in establishment of

democracy and human rights protection in Armenia.

During the meeting a discussion was made regarding

the Shadow Reports that are submitted to the UN on

behalf of the United States. The US participant shared

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her concern regarding the non-fulfilment by the United Stated of International obligations

under the UN treaties.

Here, Mr. Sedrakyan, shared with the US participant the actual process of implementation of

the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and of ECtHR

judgments against Armenia. Further, the Head of Department represented some cases, when

the ECtHR had found a violation against Armenia, which promoted drafting a legislation

amendments. Whereas, the US participant shared with the representatives of the Department

some thoughts regarding the actual obstacles for initiating legislative amendments in the

United States

Further on, the participants discussed the role of NGOs in Armenia and in the United States,

as well as the peculiarities of lobbying and civic education. Emphasize was also made to the

voting rights protection in both countries and the role of NGO’s empowerment for promotion

of successful democratic elections.

When the business day came to the end the US guest enjoyed Chinese food with the Lecturer

at the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University, and Government official,

Hayk Malkhasyan

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Participating at a Candle lighting ceremony

Later, Mrs. Johnson-Blanco and the Armenian fellow participated at a Candle lighting

ceremony organized by AGBU Scout Yerevan at the Swan Lake in Yerevan to remember the

people who were massacred in the Armenian Genocide conducted by Ottoman Empire in 1915

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Listening to jazz with the Armenian Fellow’s family

The end of the April 21 was marked by listening to Jazz at the Grand Concert Hall named after

Aram Khachaturian, together with the Armenian Fellow’s family.

The performers were:

Vocal- Alla Sahakyan,

Flute- Nelly Manukyan,

Organ and piano- Gary Kesayan,

Sax- Kakhi Jagashvili,

Bass- Armen Hovakimyan,

Drums- Armen Movsisyan.

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DAY 5

APRIL 22, 2016

Visit to Garni Temple and a guided tour there

The April 22 started by the visit to one of

the oldest sights in Armenia worth to be

seen once in a lifetime- Garni Temple.

The only pagan and Hellenistic temple in Armenia, Garni, was built in the 2nd half of the 1st

century during the reconstruction of the fortress (77 AD). Whereas, the cyclonic stone walls

that surround the royal summer residence and temple were in fact first laid in the 3rd

millennium BC by ancestral Armenians who developed the region into one of the greatest

metallurgical and trading powers in Mesopotamia and Asia Minor. After the adoption of

Christianity on 301 AD, Garni Temple, became the summer residence of Khosorovdukht, the

sister of King Tiridates III. It was demolished in 1679 by the earthquake. The parts, fragments

of graceful columns and wall stones were spread all around the temple. This circumstance

made possible the restoration of the temple which took place in 1930s.

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Visit to Geghard Monastery

Further, the US participant

traveled to Geghard Monastery,

which is a medieval monastery in

the Kotayk region, and is

partially carved out of the

adjacent mountain, surrounded

by cliffs. The Geghard Monastery

is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the

main chapel was built in 1215, the monastery complex was founded in the 4th century

by Gregory the Illuminator. The spectacular towering cliffs surrounding the monastery are

part of the Azat River gorge, and are also included in the World Heritage Site listing. Some of

the churches within the monastery complex are entirely dug out of the cliff rocks, others are

little more than caves, while others are elaborate structures, with both architecturally complex

walled sections and rooms deep inside the cliff. The combination, together with numerous

engraved and free-standing khachkars is a unique sight, being one of the most frequented

tourist destinations in Armenia.

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Visit to Ejmiatsin Cathedral and Museum

Later on, after having a lunch, a visit to Ejmiatsin Cathedral was made. The latter is the mother

church of the Armenian Apostolic Church. According to scholars it was the first cathedral

built in ancient Armenia, and is considered the oldest cathedral in the world. The original

church was built in the early fourth century—between 301 and 303 according to tradition—

by Armenia's patron saint Gregory the Illuminator, following the adoption of Christianity as a

state religion by King Tiridates III.

For the purpose of storing the relics and gifts to Armenian Church three more buildings were

added to the cathedral in 1869. They are used as the temple's museum which was open in 1955.

The sacred relics of the church are kept in the museum - the spear by which the body of Christ

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has was pierced, the

fragment of Noah's Ark,

John Baptist's patella, a

piece of the wooden cross

on which Jesus was

crucified, and finally, the

fragment of the crown of

thorns of the Savior.

Today, surrounded by

beautiful gardens and structures, the Ejmiatsin Cathedral is the center of the Armenian Church

where the Catholicos of All Armenians resides.

Zvartnots Temple

On the way back to Yerevan, a

stop was made at a temple, located

5 km from Ejmiatsin- one of the

brightest landmarks of medieval

Armenian architecture –the

magnificent Zvartnots Temple

constructed in the 7-th century.

Unfortunately, like the majority of

other ancient Armenian temples,

Zvartnots has survived only in ruins since it was completely destroyed by powerful earthquake

in the 10th century. But even the ruins of this temple give us the idea of its rare and majestic

beauty.

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The end of April 22nd, was marked by having a dinner at Charentsi 28 Restaurant with the

AC and PFP alumni

DAY 6

APRIL 23, 2016

Visit to the Armenian Open Air Market

As long as the April 23rd was Saturday, the day

started with visiting Armenian Open Air Market

and buying some Armenian souvenirs for the

relatives, friends, and colleagues of the US

participant. In addition to the Armenian souvenirs,

carved wood and art works, traditional carpets, old

collections of coins and medallions, books, jewelry,

musical instruments, electronics, etc. could be

found in the market.

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Tour at the Yerevan Brandy Company

Further, a tour at the Yerevan Brandy Company

was arranged, where the US participant was

introduced to the rich history and production

process of the Armenian brandy. The ArArAt

brandies from the Yerevan Brandy Company are

legendary, embodying Armenia, its cultural and

historical heritage. This product has been an

unalienable attribute of life for many generations.

And today it is one of the most famous and

successful brands in Armenia as well as worldwide.

ArArAt has preserved the traditions of the

legendary brandy manufacturing since 1887 when

a merchant named Nerses Tairyan built the first wine and brandy factory in Yerevan. Immense

reserves of precious brandy spirits, many put into barrels as far back as in the 19th century, are

stored in its cellars. After Nikolai Shustov acquired the factory from Nerses Tairyan, in 1899,

the company “Shustov and Sons” acquired the status of Armenian brandy supplier to the court

of His Imperial Majesty Nicholas II.

During the tour, a stop was made at

the Peace Barrel, founded in 2001 in

honor of the co-chairs of the Minsk

Group of OSCE, visited factory on

November 6, 2001.

The barrel is called “Peace” as it will

be opened when the Nagorno-

Karabakh conflict is resolved.

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DAY 7

APRIL 24, 2016

Visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial

As long as the US participant had an opportunity to be in Armenia on April 24th, together with

the whole Armenian nation, she was able to participate in the Armenian Genocide Memorial

Day, which is held annually since 1920 to commemorate the victims of the Armenian

Genocide of 1915, the most tragic element in Armenian history, which is yet, unfortunately,

not recognized by a number of countries in the world.

The US participant, together with hundreds of thousands of people, walked to

the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial to lay flowers at the eternal flame.

Later on, the US participant, together with the Armenian Fellow and her family watched one

of the documentary movies about the Armenian Genocide, the massacre of about 1,500,000

Armenian people by the Ottoman Turkey in 1915.

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At the end of the day, a Goodbye Dinner with national Armenian dishes was organized by

the Armenian Fellow’s family, hosting the US participant.

DAY 8, early morning

APRIL 25, 2016

GOODBYE, MARCIA! I ENJOYED YOUR STAY IN ARMENIA!

In the early morning of April 25th,

the US participant was transferred

to the airport for leaving back for

the United States together with the

PFP Spring 2016 Armenian Fellows:

Seda Tarjumanyan, Karen Amiryan

and Asanet Aloyan.

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Feedback from the US participant Marcia Johnson-Blanco

The trip provided a wide-ranging experience which allowed me to experience many facets of

life in Armenia. Staying with Mariam’s family allowed to learn about Armenian family life

and about the cuisine in particular. Mariam’s family was beyond generous and made me feel

very much at home.

In a short week, I had many experiences ranging from participating in a television interview

to promote the workshop organized by Promotion of Constitutionalism and Human Rights.

While I was the featured speaker, expected to share best practices regarding the work I do here

in the United States, I learned a lot from the participants. It was very fascinating to experience

a young democracy willing to experiment as it pursues the best institutions and infrastructure

to engage the people and enact policies. The issue of corruption in elections is one that is of

paramount concern in Armenia, in particular vote buying. I found it intriguing that I was

learning about this practice in Armenia, my counterparts were participating in a large protest

against the influence of money in politics in the U.S. Civil society in both democracies are

grappling with addressing the very different but equally undermining role money plays in

elections.

I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to visit a lot of institutions while in Armenia.

I was particularly struck by the preservation of historic buildings, documents and culture.

Living in a very young country, I was awed to be in a country where centuries old history

existed in very tangible ways side by side by modern society. My visits included having a

guided tour of Mantenadaran with its ancient and beautiful transcripts, learning about the life

and influence of the musician Komitas, stepping into the ancient temple and baths at Garni

Temple, being blessed by a priest at Geghard Monastery and sitting in the afternoon sun,

listening to a group of young women singing at Zvarnots Temple known for its acoustics, and

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experiencing the reverence of Echmiadzin. Overall, in addition to the meetings and “business”

portion of the trip, I received an extensive cultural education.

I was equally privileged to have been able to participate in Armenian Genocide Remembrance

Day. It was an unusual experience to see a nation come together with people of all ages

participating in the very solemn ritual of remembrance.

The trip was life changing and I look forward to remaining in touch with Mariam and provide

any information and examples of best practices from my experiences here as well as learn from

the activities of the Promotion of Constitutionalism and Human Rights as well as other

emerging NGOs.

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Attachment 1

FINAL SCHEDULE OF THE PFP OUTBOUND PROGRAM

Day Activity/Meeting Topic Location & With Whom

18 April Arrival and transfer to the Armenian

fellow’s family Downtown of Yerevan

18 April City tour and free time

Lunch at the city center

18 April Meeting

American Councils Armenia office,

Downtown of Yerevan,

With American Councils Armenia staff

18 April Welcome Dinner at Fellows house

Downtown of Yerevan,

With Armenian fellow’s family, hosting

the US guest

19 April Interview on public television

“Aravot luso” program

Armenian National Television,

Yerevan,

19 April

Cultural program: visiting

Matenadaran, Cascade, Cafesjian

Center for the Arts and having

guided tour there/ Lunch break

Matenadaran, Cascade,

Cafesjian Center for the Arts, Yerevan

19 April

Meeting with Clark Price, Deputy

Chief of Mission

US Embassy in Armenia, Yerevan

19 April Business dinner at the restaurant

and free time

Yerevan Pandok restaurat, Yerevan

With the PCHR NGO staff

20 April

Round-table discussion on the

development of political rights in

Armenia

“Garni” conference room of Ani Plaza

Hotel, Yerevan

With the representatives International

Human Rights organizations, RA

Government, National Assembly,

Judicial system, academicians,

Armenian human rights NGOs, etc.

21 April Meeting with Ruben Melikyan, Head

of Justice Academy of RA

Justice Academy of the Republic of

Armenia, Yerevan

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21 April

Cultural program: visiting Komitas

Museum-Institute and Yerevan

History Museum, having guided tour

Komitas Museum-Institute,

Yerevan History Museum, Yerevan

21 April

Visiting Armenian artisan’s

workplace

21 April

Meeting with Artyom Sedrakyan,

Head of the Department for Relations

with the European Court of Human

Rights

Downtown of Yerevan,

Ministry of Justice of the Republic of

Armenia

21 April Dinner at the Chinese restaurant Old Beijing Restaurant, Yerevan

With Hayk Malkhasyan

21 April

Participation in a Candle lighting

ceremony (in commemoration of

people who were massacred during

the Armenian Genocide)

Swan Lake, Yerevan

21 April Jazz evening with Gary Kesayan

Aram Khachaturian Grand Concert

Hall, Yerevan.

With Armenian fellow and her family

22 April Trip to Garni, Geghard, Ejmiadzin

and Zvartnots Armenia

22 April Dinner Charents 28 restaurant, Yerevan

With AC and PFP alumni

23 April Visit to Armenian open-air souvenir

market Downtown of Yerevan

23 April

Tour at the Armenian Brandy

Company and degustation of

Armenian brandy

Yerevan Brandy Company, Yerevan

24 April

Visit to the Armenian Genocide

Memorial Complex (to remember the

people who were massacred during

the Armenian Genocide)

Yerevan

Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex

(Tsitsernakaberd)

With officials of Ministry of Justice

24 April Goodbye dinner at the Armenian

fellows’ house

Yerevan

With Armenian fellow’s family

25 April Transfer to the Yerevan International

Airport for the departure

Zvartnots airport,

Yerevan

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Attachment 2

THE DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL RIGHTS IN ARMENIA

Agenda

April 20, 2016

Yerevan, Ani Plaza Hotel, «Garni» hall

11:00-15:001

11:00-11:30 Arrival of participants and registration

11:30-11:50 Opening speech

11:50-12:20 Legal Regulation and Practical Implementation of Voting Rights in the

United States of America

Marcia F. Johnson-Blanco

Co-Director of Voting Rights Project in the “Lawyers’ Committee for Civil

Rights Under Law” NGO

12:20-12:40 Parliamentary Governance System as a Guarantee of Political Rights

Protection

Alexander Harutyunyan

Alumni of the Georgetown Universtiy Law Faculty, Washington, D.C.

12:40 –13:00 Discussion, Questions & Answers

13:00-13:20 Coffee Break

13:20-13:40 Constitutional Reforms Undertaken in the Area of Prisoner's Rights to Vote

Aram Vardevanyan, Ph.D.

Advisor to the President of Constitutional Court of Armenia, President of the «Promotion of Constitutionalism and Human Rights» NGO

1 Simultaneous translation from Armenian into English and vice versa will be provided.

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13:40-14:00 Political rights of persons with disabilities in Armenia and impediments

towards their enjoyment on an equal basis with others

Anush Margaryan Project manager at Eurasia Partnership Foundation, Vice-President of the

«Promotion of Constitutionalism and Human Rights» NGO

14:00-14:30 Discussion, Questions & Answers

14:30-14:40 Closing Speech

14:40-15:00 Coffee Break