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Voice of America
June 9 2012
Honoring Rights Workers In Armenia
Civil society plays a critical role in securing fundamental freedoms and rights.
On a recent visit to Armenia, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
commended the country for `continuing to work to strengthen [its]
democratic institutions to promote transparency, advance the rights of
a free press, root out corruption, respect universal rights and
freedoms.'
Civil society plays a critical role in securing fundamental freedoms
and rights. That's why Secretary Clinton along with the British
Embassy, the OSCE, the EU, and Counterpart International honored
Armenian civil rights activists, government officials, and media
representatives for their work to promote human rights, accountable
government, and free speech.
Artur Sakunts received the Freedom Defender Award for defending all
minorities, especially those that are the target of intolerance, such
as ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities.
The Woman of Courage Award went to Tsovinar Nazaryan for her military
reform efforts to bring about a more modern, effective, and humane
force for Armenia. Deputy Chief of Police, Major-General Artur
Osikyan was recognized for his contributions to police reform, laying
the foundation for a transparent and accountable police force that
works for the citizens of Armenia.
The award for media excellence went to the editors of Epress.am --
Sonya Apresova, Yuri Manvelyan, and Armen Melikbekyan -- for their
fair and balanced coverage and commitment to human rights reporting.
Such journalism plays an important part in advancing democratization
in Armenia.
Finally, several environmental activists - Apres Zohrabyan, Yeghia
Nereseyan, Gor Hakobyan, Mary Khachatryan, and Ruzanna Grigoryan -
were honored for their grassroots campaign to promote environmental
conservation in Armenia.
These men and women, said Secretary Clinton, demonstrate that `change
begins with a group of courageous activists who fight to stop
environmental degradation so Armenians can live healthier lives,
begins with journalists who raise awareness about human rights
violations, and a dedicated public servant who pushes the police to
reform.'
http://www.voanews.com/policy/editorials/Honoring-Rights-Workers-In-Armenia--158311965.html
June 9 2012
Honoring Rights Workers In Armenia
Civil society plays a critical role in securing fundamental freedoms and rights.
On a recent visit to Armenia, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
commended the country for `continuing to work to strengthen [its]
democratic institutions to promote transparency, advance the rights of
a free press, root out corruption, respect universal rights and
freedoms.'
Civil society plays a critical role in securing fundamental freedoms
and rights. That's why Secretary Clinton along with the British
Embassy, the OSCE, the EU, and Counterpart International honored
Armenian civil rights activists, government officials, and media
representatives for their work to promote human rights, accountable
government, and free speech.
Artur Sakunts received the Freedom Defender Award for defending all
minorities, especially those that are the target of intolerance, such
as ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities.
The Woman of Courage Award went to Tsovinar Nazaryan for her military
reform efforts to bring about a more modern, effective, and humane
force for Armenia. Deputy Chief of Police, Major-General Artur
Osikyan was recognized for his contributions to police reform, laying
the foundation for a transparent and accountable police force that
works for the citizens of Armenia.
The award for media excellence went to the editors of Epress.am --
Sonya Apresova, Yuri Manvelyan, and Armen Melikbekyan -- for their
fair and balanced coverage and commitment to human rights reporting.
Such journalism plays an important part in advancing democratization
in Armenia.
Finally, several environmental activists - Apres Zohrabyan, Yeghia
Nereseyan, Gor Hakobyan, Mary Khachatryan, and Ruzanna Grigoryan -
were honored for their grassroots campaign to promote environmental
conservation in Armenia.
These men and women, said Secretary Clinton, demonstrate that `change
begins with a group of courageous activists who fight to stop
environmental degradation so Armenians can live healthier lives,
begins with journalists who raise awareness about human rights
violations, and a dedicated public servant who pushes the police to
reform.'
http://www.voanews.com/policy/editorials/Honoring-Rights-Workers-In-Armenia--158311965.html