Armenian ombudsperson issues Press Freedom Day message

Armenian Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan issued a congratulatory message on World Press Freedom Day marked on May 3. Her full statement is provided below.

“Dear representatives of the media community,

I warmly congratulate you on your professional holiday - World Press Freedom Day.

This day is another opportunity to highlight the importance of your complex and responsible mission and reaffirm the exceptional significance of your work in strengthening democracy and the rule of law.

In the framework of the 2024 Annual Report of the Human Rights Defender, I have specifically emphasized the importance of the unhindered activities of representatives of the media community.

In this regard, I find it concerning that there are cases of targeting of journalists and obstructing their professional activities. I emphasize that the state must take clear and targeted steps to create a favorable environment for the proper operation of the media and fully ensure the safety of journalists.

In particular, it is necessary to develop and implement mechanisms that will guarantee the free and safe operation of the media, as well as prevent violations of journalists' rights and ensure the inevitability of liability in such cases.

At the same time, professional journalistic activity must also be carried out in accordance with high ethical standards and the principles of responsible journalism, excluding hate speech and discrimination in all its manifestations.

As the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, I reaffirm my commitment to do my utmost to ensure the protection of your free and unhindered work.

Once again, I congratulate you on the holiday and wish you effective, creative and productive activities in favor of strengthening the rule of law and democracy.”