Return of Prisoners, Rights of Political Prisoners, and Issues of Artsakh Armenians: Galstyan Presents Priorities

Member of the National Assembly from the "Hayastan" faction Lilit Galstyan has announced her election as the head of the Standing Committee on Human Rights Protection and Public Affairs. The deputy stated that the nomination of an opposition candidate for this position is a constitutional mandatory authority that allows the opposition to be proportionally elected and be part of the leadership bodies of the National Assembly.

She expressed gratitude to her political team, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), and the "Hayastan" faction for nominating her, emphasizing that her political assessments regarding the serious situation of human rights in Armenia remain unchanged.

According to Galstyan, the work of the committee is viewed as a service, a platform, and a toolkit that aims to bring about decisive changes, mitigate violations, and the atmosphere of impunity. She added that the structure sees itself not only as a body discussing draft laws and responding to violations but also as a proactive parliamentary tool that implements systemic oversight.

She noted that human inalienable rights, constitutional norms, the rule of law, and their implementation must be guaranteed in the country, highlighting that human dignity is of supreme value. The activities will be inclusive, involving the professional public, civil society, a wide range of society, and close collaboration with international human rights organizations.

Priorities have been set for the return of Armenian prisoners held hostage in Baku, the protection of the rights of political prisoners, the exclusion of political persecution, and the natural rights of Artsakh Armenians protected by international law. The goal is to move towards a more viable country where the political, social, and cultural rights and legal interests of all citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including national minorities, are protected.

The declaration concludes with a call for freedom for all political prisoners.