During the Human Rights Defender's regional visit, the issues raised by the civilians of the Baghanis and Koti villages were summarized and presented to the Government by the Defender. Based on the latter, on 24 October a discussion took place.
Together with the Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Development Karen Isakhanyan, and Head of Civil, Social-Economic and Cultural Rights Protection Department of the Human Rights Defender's Office Armen Mashinian, the representatives of the Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Nature Protection, the Ministry of Agriculture, State Social Security Service, as well as Acting Chairman of the State Forest Committee, Deputy Governor of Tavush Region and Head of Noyemberyan Community also participated in the discussion.
The Human Rights Defender's Office presented the issues raised by the civilians of Baghanis and Koti villages, concerning the receipt of social assistance for gasification of civilian houses, the increase of the amount of firewood provided free of charge or on privileged terms, the revision of tariff on firewood for the population of borderline communities by the organization providing firewood and etc.
Solutions for a number of particular issues have already been outlined, and separate discussions on systematic issues will be initiated.
The Human Rights Defender attaches importance to the activities of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development in supporting the discussion and contributing to the solution of these issues within its mandate.