Photo: Delegates discussing human rights with EUMA Head of Mission, Markus Ritter (centre).

The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) launched ‘EUMA Human Rights Talks’ to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The first edition of EUMA Human Rights Talks, organised on 11 December 2023 in Yeghegnadzor, focused on identifying human rights challenges and on exploring potential opportunities for promoting human rights jointly in the conflict-affected regions.

EUMA Human Rights Talks are the new civil society engagement platform of the Mission. The objective is to bring together different local, national and international civil society organisations and human rights actors in order to engage with EUMA.

The platform also facilitates dialogue with organisations involved in the promotion and monitoring of human rights and gender issues.

Photo: Delegates discussing human rights at EUMA hosted event in Armenia.

Human Rights at the Heart of the Mission

Markus Ritter, EUMA Head of Mission, opened the event. He emphasised that human rights have been at the very heart of the Mission since its inception.

Civil society organisations and human rights defenders are of paramount importance for securing and safeguarding human rights in conflict-areas. EUMA strives to develop effective civil society engagement in its operations and activities because of this.

The Mission plans to regularly host EUMA Human Rights Talks to develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships in order to accomplish this objective.

Human rights challenges and solutions

Representatives from the civil society organisations and the EU Delegation discussed issues related to rights with EUMA staff members. These discussions included access to education, vulnerable communities, the rights of displaced people, gender-based violence and the false dichotomy created between democracy and safety among other challenges.

In addition to pinpointing the problems, participants engaged in discussions about strategies to advance human rights in conflict-affected regions.

In discussions, the participants and EUMA agreed that the event was a good starting point for productive and engaging civil society dialogue for the promotion, protection and fulfilment of the human rights of conflict-affected population in Armenia.

The event culminated with a toast, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Photo: Family photo featuring delegates at EUMA human rights event in Armenia.