The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Anahit Manasyan, released a statement on the occasion of World Refugee Day, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and forcibly displaced persons.

In a statement published by her office, Ombudsperson Manasyan noted that on June 20, the world marks World Refugee Day, reaffirming the principle that every person, regardless of status, location, or other circumstances, should be protected and safe.

“This day is not only an _expression_ of solidarity and support for the millions of people who have been forced to leave their homes, but also a call to the international community and states to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the rights of refugees,” Manasyan stated.

The Human Rights Defender emphasized that millions of people around the world continue to be deprived of the opportunity to live safely due to war, armed conflict, persecution, and violence.

The protection of the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and forcibly displaced persons is one of the Human Rights Defender’s Office’s priority areas, Manasyan emphasized.

Manasyan noted that her staff continuously conducts monitoring, studies, and analyses in this field, prepares reports, cooperates with international and national partners, and carries out awareness-raising activities.

The Human Rights Defender also highlighted the work of the Public Council on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Asylum Seekers, Refugees, and Forcibly Displaced Persons, recently established at her initiative under the Human Rights Defender’s Office.

The Council, she said, serves as an important platform for discussing issues jointly, developing solutions, and ensuring that the voices of beneficiaries are heard more widely.

Manasyan also stressed the importance of cooperation with international partners, particularly the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in strengthening mechanisms for the protection of the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced persons.

“World Refugee Day is yet another opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the idea that every refugee, asylum seeker, and forcibly displaced person should be provided with safe and dignified living conditions,” the Human Rights Defender emphasized.

Manasyan emphasized that behind every refugee’s story is a human destiny filled with hardships, loss, and hope.

She stressed that state authorities, international organizations, civil society, and all actors involved in the protection of human rights must continue their joint efforts toward a world where no one is left behind and where the dignity and rights of every individual are protected.