Constitution

Article 190. Functions and Powers of the Human Rights Defender

 

1. The Human Rights Defender shall be an independent official, who shall follow the respect for human rights and freedoms by state and local self-government bodies and officials, and shall facilitate the restoration of violated rights and the improvement of the legislation related to human rights and freedoms.

2. Powers related to respect for human rights and freedoms in other spheres may by law be reserved for the Human Rights Defender.

3. State and local self-government bodies and officials shall be obliged to provide the necessary documents, information, and clarifications to and support the work of the Human Rights Defender in the procedure prescribed by law.

4. The Human Rights Defender shall present to the National Assembly an annual report on his activities and on the situation of protection of human rights and freedoms. The report may contain recommendations on legislative changes or other measures. 5. The powers, procedure of activities, and other safeguards of the activities of the Human Rights Defender shall be prescribed by the Law on the Human Rights Defender.

 

Article 191. Independence of the Human Rights Defender

 

1. In exercising his powers, the Human Rights Defender shall be independent.

2. The state shall secure proper financing for the activities of the Human Rights Defender.

3. The Human Rights Defender shall enjoy the immunity prescribed for a parliamentarian. The National Assembly may deprive the Human Rights Defender of immunity by at least a three fifths majority vote of the total number of the parliamentarians in the procedure prescribed by law.

 

Article 192. Election of and Requirements on the Human Rights Defender

 

1. The National Assembly shall elect the Human Rights Defender for a six-year term by at least a three-fifths majority vote of the total number of the parliamentarians. The Human Rights Defender shall be irremovable.

2. Any citizen of the Republic of Armenia, who is held in high esteem among the public, has higher education, and meets the requirements stipulated for a parliamentarian, may be elected as the Human Rights Defender.

3. The incompatibility provisions stipulated by the Constitution for parliamentarians shall apply to the Human rights Defender.

4. The Human Rights Defender may not be a member of any party or engage in any form in political activities during his term in office. In public speeches he shall exercise political restraint.