Piotr Switsalski: Problems that were in Armenia in the field of human  rights did not disappear after the velvet revolution

ArmInfo. The EU plays its special role in the field of interaction and dialogue with its partners, and the protection of human rights is a priority for us. On April 5,  during the parliamentary hearings initiated by the permanent  commission for the protection of human rights, head of the EU  delegation in Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Switalski stated.

Switsalski noted that in Armenia there are a number of constant  challenges in the field of human rights.  The EU Ambassador to  Armenia also reported that on Monday Brussels will hold a discussion  on human rights issues with Armenian partners. "After the velvet  revolution in the field of human rights protection, new opportunities  appeared, however, not all the problems that were in this area  disappeared," the EU Ambassador to Armenia stressed.

 He also noted that 12 months is certainly not a long time, but those  people who at one time took to the streets have their own demands and  are waiting for change. "It seems to me that a number of changes have  already occurred, but there are still a number of problems that are   on the agenda," he said.  According to him, it is very important for  the European Union that a free judicial system is formed in Armenia  and reforms in the sector of justice are necessary. "We also believe  that gender equality, the protection of the rights of women and  children occupy a special place in the field of human rights  protection. In Armenia, the Law on Family Violence, which is in the  process of implementation, operates, and we will see what results it  will bring. We, as representatives of the EU, very much hope that  women will be more actively involved in the political, economic and  other sectors of Armenia, "the ambassador said.  Switalski also  raised the issue of social and labor rights.  He expressed the hope  that in the new Armenia there will be guarantees of tour and social  rights.