Category: 2022

CoE: Armenia: despite legislative reforms, survivors of human trafficking face uphill struggle to access justice

Kajoyan Gevork
May 31 2022
GROUP OF EXPERTS ON ACTION AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN BEINGS (GRETA) STRASBOURG 31 MAY 2022

The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) have published a new report on Armenia focusing on human trafficking victims’ access to justice and effective remedies. GRETA acknowledges improvements in the legislative and policy framework but asks the authorities to strengthen the provision of information to victims, improve access to legal aid and psychological assistance, facilitate access to compensation from the perpetrators, as well as to effectively investigate offences of human trafficking for all forms of exploitation and promote reintegration of victims.

Since the previous evaluation in 2017, Armenia has continued to develop its anti-trafficking legislative and policy framework: in 2021 a new Criminal Code and a new Criminal Procedure Code were adopted and amendments to the Labour Code were being prepared. GRETA urges the authorities to ensure that access to legal assistance is guaranteed as soon as there are reasonable grounds for believing that a person is a victim of human trafficking and before the person concerned has to decide whether on co-operating with the authorities in a criminal investigation.

The report also examines progress made on the implementation of previous GRETA recommendations on selected topics. GRETA urges the Armenian authorities to continue reinforcing the capacity and skills of all relevant officials to detect and investigate cases of trafficking for labour exploitation. Further, the authorities should strengthen efforts to prevent child trafficking among vulnerable groups (children in rural areas and children placed in child-care institutions) and pay more attention to the link between child trafficking and the use of information and communication technologies.

The total number of victims of trafficking identified in the period 2017-2021 in Armenia was 68. Two thirds of identified victims were women and girls. The prevailing form of exploitation was sexual exploitation, followed by labour exploitation and forced begging. Almost all identified victims were Armenian nationals exploited inside Armenia. The real number of trafficking victims is probably higher, the report says, as self-identification by trafficking victims occurs only rarely due to the lack of awareness of their rights, stigma, the feeling of shame and distrust vis-à-vis the authorities.


https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/armenia-despite-legislative-reforms-survivors-of-human-trafficking-face-uphill-struggle-to-access-justice

Art from Many Major Artists to be Displayed at Armenian Museum in Watertown

Aram Torosian
May 31 2022

The Armenian Museum of America will host an exhibition of artwork from some of the top artists of the late 20th Century called “On the Edge: Los Angeles Art 1970s – 1990s from the Joan and Jack Quinn Family. There will be a companion exhibition featuring Armenian artists.

The Armenian Museum provided the following information:

This exhibition, our largest in 50 years, features more than 75 artists including Lita Albuquerque, John Altoon, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lynda Benglis, Vija Celmins, Gregory Wiley Edwards, Frank Gehry, Helmut Newton, Ed Ruscha, and Andy Warhol.

Curated by Rachel McCullah Wainwright.

The companion exhibition, “Discovering Takouhi: Portraits of Joan Agajanian Quinn,” will include Armenian artists such as Dahlia Elsayed, Jean Kazanjian, Silvina Der Meguerditchian, Ara Oshagan, Zaven Sarkissian, and Aram Saroyan.

Curated by Gina Grigorian and Natalie Varbedian.

Members Preview & Reception 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Non-Members Preview 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Exhibition sponsored by the JHM Charitable Foundation.

Joan Agajanian Quinn and her late husband Jack represent a key moment in the history of contemporary art, as Los Angeles came to symbolize an innovative and prolific brand of creative freedom. Few individuals have left such an indelible mark on the artistic landscape of Southern California than Joan and Jack Quinn. Joan found herself both muse and promoter of several Southern California artists, while Jack used his skills as a prominent and influential attorney to help an array of emerging artists and their dealers navigate the worlds of law and business.

This exhibition highlights the couple’s collection primarily amassed from the 1970s to 1990s, a period rich in significance and defined by a unique spirit of anti-conformity, a play of new materials and a celebration of light and the California cool ethos. Much of the work was collected directly from the artists and has never changed hands or been shown publicly. Works in the exhibition will explore themes such as Ferus Group “Cool School,” Light and Space, Minimalism, Chicano Art, Pop Art, and international artists and influences.

For more information click here: https://www.armenianmuseum.org/on-the-edge.

HGTV launches in Armenia

Boris Nahapetian
Broadband TV News
May 31 2022

MAY 31, 2022 09.55 EUROPE/LONDON BY CHRIS DZIADUL

The Warner Bros. Discovery channel HGTV has made its debut in Armenia.

Starting this month, UCOM Armenia and Telecom Armenia subscribers can watch exclusive HGTV content in the Unity and Cosmo packages respectively.

Commenting on the development, Alexander Florea, distribution & digital business development manager NEE for Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “HGTV is one of the flagship TV channels at Warner Bros. Discovery and we are delighted to extend its reach in the region even more. The launch in the Armenian market allows viewers to have access to exclusive and quality content, offering them inspiration and ideas for home decoration, renovations, real estate, tips and tricks for home projects and many more. Through our strong partners UCOM Armenia and Telecom Armenia, we trust that viewers will get to know and enjoy the new, exciting content on HGTV”.

‘Trips to this part of the world have been enjoyable’ – Irish football fans face lengthy journey to Armenia

Boshkezenian Garik
May 31 2022
by Tom Byrne

31 May 2022 4:33 PM

The Republic of Ireland are gearing up to play their UEFA Nations League opener against Armenia on Saturday. The Boys in Green face four Nations League fixtures in the space of 10 days, which includes two away trips – Yerevan in Armenia and Lodz in Poland to play Ukraine.

Stephen Kenny’s side, along with the most dedicated of Irish supporters, will travel over 4,000 kilometres to the Armenian capital to support their country this weekend. The Irish fans are regarded as some of the most passionate international football supporters worldwide and this Saturday will be no different when they descend on a scorching Armenia – with temperatures potentially hitting as high as 34°C.

There have been protests in Yerevan in recent weeks due to their government’s approach to their relationship with Azerbaijan, which appears unresolved since the six-week war in 2020. The Armenian police clashed with protesters in the city on Monday which prompted the FAI to send a security delegation to Armenia ahead of the Irish team travelling east on Wednesday.

The recent protests have caught the attention of Irish supporters travelling to the game but it won’t put a stop to those who booked the lengthy trip.

The Hegarty family, who are part of the Wexford Republic of Ireland Soccer Supporters Club, are looking forward to the journey across Europe albeit having a bit of bother rebooking and rescheduling cancelled flights.

Irish fan Robbie Hegarty, who lives in Enniscorthy, explained that he had to rebook different flights a few times due to complications and cancelled flights with airline Wizz Air.

Now sorted, the Hegarty family will fly from Dublin to Poznan, Poland on Wednesday and spend a night in the Polish city. They will then travel to the Polish capital Warsaw on Thursday before they fly to Yerevan that night. After a three and half hour journey, they will arrive in Yerevan in the early hours of Friday morning.

“I am going for a 2-0 win for the Boys in Green on Saturday!” Robbie said ahead of his flight to Poznan.

Another Irish supporter, Ronan Coleman from Galway city, said: “I am travelling to Yerevan via Warsaw with four other supporters from Galway, Donegal and Limerick.

“At the moment, the leg of the journey I am most worried about is getting through security at Dublin Airport!

“This will be my fifth Ireland away match in the Caucasus region, previously I have visited Georgia three times and also Azerbaijan in October 2021.

“My trips to this part of the world have been enjoyable, and the people were very friendly to us. Armenia and Azerbaijan have effectively been at war for over thirty years. Anyone with an Azeri stamp on their passports, as many of us have, will expect an interrogation at Yerevan airport.”

He added: “High temperatures are anticipated, and the media tell us there are anti-government demonstrations in Yerevan. The priority will be to get in and out safely, hopefully with three points. I expect a small travelling support, maybe 200-300.

“Onwards and upwards to Lodz then!”

EBRD’s $20 million loan will help finance telecoms growth in Armenia

Boris Nahapetian
Public Radio of Armenia
May 31 2022
May 31, 2022, 13:15

 

Armenians will see their fixed and mobile phone services improve as a result of a US$ 20 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to leading Armenian telecoms company Telecom Armenia to finance growth, including network expansion in rural areas, and refinance existing debt.

Telecom Armenia is undertaking a seven-year multi-million network improvement programme to upgrade fixed and mobile networks around the country, including in rural areas. Additional financing is provided by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Ameriabank, amounting to a total financing package of $45 million.

The investment comes in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which emphasised the need for faster and more reliable internet connections. The project supports 4G mobile network expansion and the rollout of a state-of-the-art fibre to the home network across the capital Yerevan, secondary cities and rural areas, increasing the digital connectivity and competitiveness of businesses across Armenia and making the network greener and more energy efficient.

“As well as enhancing digitalisation and energy efficiency, the project is consistent with the EBRD’s two strategic priorities for Armenia, strengthening private sector competitiveness and promoting sustainable infrastructure through commercialisation and green economy transition,” said Dirk Werner, the EBRD’s Director for Telecoms, Media and Technology.

Aleksandr Yesayan, Team Telecom Armenia’s Chairman and co-founder said: “We welcome our long-term partnership with the EBRD, especially given the reduced investor appetite amid global developments. This support will enable us to accelerate our capital investment program and expand and upgrade both our fixed and mobile networks and improve service quality to both individual subscribers and business clients, which will spur competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth in Armenia.”

Hayk Yesayan, Team Telecom Armenia’s CEO and co-founder said: “This funding will significantly speed up the region’s best 25 GB/s Next Generation Network construction. Bringing this network to life is our strategic project. As part of the building process, we are going to connect our mobile system to the new fixed broadband infrastructure and greatly increase the quality of mobile and fixed communications throughout all Armenia.”

This is the first major signing since EBRD’s recently appointed Head of Yerevan Resident Office. George Akhalkatsi started the role in early May. He said: “I am excited to sign this important transaction with a major private sector player in Armenia. We believe the project will bring tangible benefits to Team Telecom customers and have a positive effect on wider economy.”

Telecom Armenia is the leading fixed-line operator in Armenia and the country’s second largest mobile operator. It was acquired in October 2020 by telecom entrepreneurs Hayk and Aleksandr Yesayan. The project’s refinancing component will be used to refinance Telecom Armenia’s existing debt, incurred during the company’s leveraged buyout in 2020, and simplify its capital structure. 

Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute announces Lemkin scholarship for foreign researchers

Markos Nalchajian
Public Radio of Armenia
May 31 2022
May 31, 2022, 15:50

The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute foundation announces 2022 Lemkin Scholarship program for foreign young researchers and PhD candidates. Raphael Lemkin scholarship is intended to extend research on the Armenian Genocide, promote multilayered research of the theme and engage young scientists.

The program will enable one up to 40-year-old foreign PhD students or young researchers who specialize in the field of genocide research and work on their doctoral thesis, to spend one month in Armenia and conduct their research at the archives of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, as well as other local scientific institutions and libraries.

  • The duration of the scholarship is one month.
  • The AGMI Foundation will cover travel and accommodation expenses.
  • The deadline for application is August 15, 2022. The name of the winner will be known on August 31, 2022.
  • At the end of the program, the scholarship holder is required to make a report and present a summary of the work done within the month. He/she will also submit an article as a result of a research to be considered for publication in the International Journal of Armenian Genocide Studies within 1 year from the end of his/her visit to Armenia.
  • A round-table discussion with the Armenian specialists and the AGMI Foundation researchers will be organized during the program with the scholarship holder.
  • The program will run from October 1.

Required documents for the submission:

– CV or resume
– Research proposal (not less than 2 pages)
– List of published works (if any)
– Two letters of reference
– A filled application form.

The winner will be selected by the Scientific Council of the AGMI Foundation.

The applications should be sent to [email protected]. It’s necessary to mention “Lemkin scholarship 2022” in a subject line.

Sixth edition of Armenian Film Festival to be held in Sydney and Melbourne

Hagop Kamalian
Public Radio of Armenia
May 31 2022

The sixth edition of the Armenian Film Festival in Sydney and Melbourne will feature several unique documentaries and drama films, with a spotlight on Artsakh and the Armenian Genocide, reports the Armenian National Committee of Australia.

The 2022 Armenian Film Festival is back after a Covid-induced two-year hiatus and will showcase eight feature films, hosting four international guests across two cities on 3-5 June 2022  in Melbourne and 9-19 June 2022 in Sydney.

A key component of this year’s festival is the focus around the Republic of Artsakh, following the 2020 Artsakh war and the ongoing occupation of the ancient Armenian homeland by Azerbaijan.

Co-Directors of the Armenian Film Festival Australia Margaret Tcherkezian Chater and Hourie Demirjian said: “We seek to raise awareness of the plight of the people in that region that has received little awareness.”

The festival’s Gala Night will feature Jivan Avetisyan’s multi-award winning film ‘Gates to Heaven’, an intriguing drama set during the 2016 four-day war. The story follows a German military journalist who returns to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) to cover the war.

Emile Ghessen’s ‘45 Days: The Fight For A Nation’ will also be screened over multiple sessions in both Sydney and Melbourne. Ghessen tells the story of the 2020 Artsakh war and post war from an Armenian perspective in a humanistic feature documentary. The Former British Royal Marines Commando turned documentary filmmaker was on the ground when Turkey-backed Azerbaijani forces launched full-scale attacks on the Armenian inhabited region. Ghessen will be in Australia to host insightful Q and A sessions.

Nora Martirosyan’s first film ‘Should The Wind Drop’ was selected as Armenia’s official film for Best International Feature Film category at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022, and the ‘We Are Our Mountains’ short film, directed by Arnaud Khayadjanian, tells the difficult story of a people who continue to fight for independence.

Two offerings at this year’s Film Festival will also feature the harrowing stories of the Armenian Genocide. These include, two-time Academy Award winning producer Nick Vallelonga’s ‘Songs of Solomon’, which depicts the life of Komitas Vartabed, an Armenian composer and priest set against the backdrop of the Armenian Genocide.

Ani Hovanisian’s ‘The Hidden Map’ tells the story of an American-Armenia who travels to Turkey in search of her ancestral homeland and discovers the silenced stories of a forbidden past. Hovanissian will also be in Australia to discuss her film.

Viva-MTS: A house built from scratch for a family that had to live in a metal wagon

David Nargizian
Panorama
Armenia – May 31 2022

SOCIETY 13:25 31/05/2022 ARMENIA

A house sold to save the lives of two family members, a sad reality of living in a metal wagon, efforts towards building a house that proved futile, and a son who came back from the 44-day war with injuries to the head and spine. The life of the Nersisyan family was not an easy one; however, everything is now in the past. The wish of completing the house construction that started years ago has become a reality owing to the joint housing project implemented by Viva-MTS and the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia, Viva-MTS said in a press release on Tuesday.

Last time, the heads of the partner organizations met the Nersisyans months ago, at the construction site. Despite the large volume of work, the family who has been engaged actively in the house construction from scratch was struggling to get rid of the container rather sooner than later. The major part of the house was built by the family father, craftsman Vahan. Now, when his house construction is completed, he works to finish the construction of his compatriots’ houses. Now there will be a garden in the place where the metal wagon once lent from the son’s friend once stood.

“We have gone through a large number of hardships and have solved problems that seemed insurmountable then; however, yet, every hardship that we have gone through has made us stronger. It was an ultimate goal and dream to see my children and grandchildren living under their own roof. I still can’t believe that this is a reality,” said Vahan.

The heads of partner organizations visited the town of Ashtarak in Aragatsotn; the purpose of the visit this time was to share the joy of the result together with the homeowners rather than to monitor the construction process.

“This program shapes a fundamental system of values in those who implement it, and those of our compatriots who become homeowners, and that refers happens regardless one’s profession or social position. Those who lend a supportive hand and those reach for it, get a clearer picture of how development happens and start appreciating those achievements. At the core of the system of values is the unity, the understanding that problems have to be solved jointly, and the readiness to be useful with no reward in mind. All these throwing deep roots in one’s conscience the steps taken later get more efficient. And that’s how a country strives,” Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said.

”After having gone through many hardships, this family can eventually enjoy the jubilance of living in their own decent home. We are glad that children in the family will not have to live with the burden of homelessness and will enjoy carefree childhood and will have a perspective for a happy future,” said the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia President, Ashot Yeghiazaryan.

In the near future, the partners of ten years, Viva-MTS and the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia, will resume the volunteering which was interrupted due to the pandemic restrictions. It’s important not only in terms of helping the families but also in terms of spreading the idea of solving problems hand in hand.

Protest staged outside Armenian Foreign Ministry

Andranik Taslakhchian
Panorama
Armenia – May 31 2022

A protest was held outside the Armenian government building housing the Foreign Ministry and several other ministries in downtown Yerevan on Tuesday as part of the opposition campaign to topple Nikol Pashinyan.

Opposition leader and deputy parliament speaker Ishkhan Saghatelyan urged protesters to refrain from clashes with the police.

Opposition lawmakers wanted to enter the government building and to talk to the ministers about the issues raised by the opposition, including Artsakh’s status and Armenian-Turkish relations.

They negotiated with police officers guarding the building for an hour to be let in. Eventually, no meeting took place between the minsters and the MPs.

“The ministers avoid meetings with parliament deputies. They are simply afraid and are hiding behind police cordons,” Saghatelyan said before they marched through the city.

Putin, Aliyev discuss implementation of agreements on Artsakh

Hovik Karapetian
Panorama
Armenia – May 31 2022

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Tuesday, the Kremlin said in a statement.

“The implementation of the agreements of the Russian, Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders of November 9, 2020, January 11 and November 26, 2021 was discussed, with a focus on solving issues related to establishing peace in the region, improving stability and unblocking economic ties and transport communications,” the statement says.

Aliyev briefed Putin on his meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and European Council President Charles Michel in Brussels on 22 May.

They also discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation in the trade and economic sphere.