The Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan received Vaghinak Sargsyan, Commander of the Border Guard Troops of the National Security Service.
The importance of cooperation between the Defender's Office and the Border Guard Troops was emphasized during the meeting. The Defender highlighted the commitment of the administration of the Border Guard Troops to closely cooperate on human rights issues.
Issues with regard to the rights of persons crossing the RA state border were also discussed, including those related to asylum seekers. In this connection, effective cooperation in the area of rapid exchange of information between the two state bodies was emphasized. The cooperation is realized by focal points nominated on both sides.
Particularly, in accordance with the established practice, immediate discussions on relevant calls to the hotline of the Human Rights Defender's Office take place with the purpose of finding appropriate solutions.
Currently, the Defender's Office and the Border Guard officers closely cooperate in the improvement of the conditions of the special reception centers for asylum seekers, located at the Armenian border crossing points. The Defender's representatives conduct visits to examine the conditions, participate in joint discussions and trainings.
In terms of protecting the rights of asylum seekers in Armenia, the Defender also touched upon the periodic trainings for Border Guards that are organized with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
It should be noted that the existing problems in the field, and the recommendations thereof, as well as the directions of cooperation between the two state bodies have also been included in the Defender’s ad hoc public report on “Ensuring the rights of refugees and asylum seekers in the Republic of Armenia.”