On August 26, the 3rd seminar was held in “Martuni Women’s Community Council” NGO under the theme of “the presentation of Aarhus Convention in the communities of Gegharkunik marz”. The seminar was attended by 8 community leaders of Martuni region, 5 NGO representatives, representatives of mass media, representatives from active residents in the community, from educational institutions and even from hospital.
As usual, the seminar took place according to the agenda, but with a difference; the society and local government agencies in this region work in partnership and know their rights and responsibilities in the community management processes. And the recent events connected with SOS Argitchi Initiative showed when a person is aware and knows his rights, he tries to cooperate with local authorities, and is able to protect his constitutional right.
The seminar was accompanied with active discussions, based on real examples, because the case of illegal construction on Gayladzor tributary of Argitchi River was implemented recently, and the Aarhus Convention had been ignored. And since the constitutional rights of the population were violated by the prosecutor’s office, which had summoned people for questioning without notice, and in order to protect their rights a statement was formed during the seminar with the help of the experts, SOS Argitchi Initiative Group and Gavar Aarhus Center so as to send it to the RA Human Rights Defender.