Hetq, Women’s Resource Center, and Armenia’s Deputy Defense Minister Awarded Prizes

The annual Universal Rights Awards Ceremony, which honors individuals working to promote human rights, accountable governance, civic activism, local government reform, community service and free speech in Armenia, was held yesterday at the Congress Hotel in Yerevan, during which the names of the award winners in the 7 categories were announced. 

Hetq (Investigative Journalists NGO) was given the Media Excellence Award for its professionalism in investigative journalism and human rights media coverage.

The Civic Activism Award was given to organizers of the "We Won't Pay 150 Drams" campaign for their outstanding efforts in their pursuit of transparency and accountability in the public decision-making process.

The Freedom Defender Award was given to human rights defenders Ara Ghazaryan and Artak Zeynalyan for their significant efforts in the protection of human rights. 

The Woman of Courage Award was given to the Women's Resource Center of Armenia (WRCA) for courageously defending and promoting women's rights and gender equality. The award was accepted by WRCA Executive Director Lara Aharonian.

For his notable efforts in the advancement of human rights in the army, First Deputy Minister of Defense David Tonoyan received the Government Reformer Award. 

For her significant leadership efforts in the community of Karahunj and making the community better, Karahunj Mayor Lusine Avetyan was given the Local Government Reformer Award. 

And last but not least, the Community Service Award was given to Yerevan Children's Rehabilitation Center Director Laura Movsisyan, fo rher outstanding efforts in providing rehabilitation services to children with disabilities. 

The annual award ceremony is organized by the British Embassy in Yerevan, US Embassy, Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, OSCE Office in Yerevan, Council of Europe Office in Yerevan, the United Nations Armenia Office and Counterpart International.

According to the British Embassy in Yerevan's Facebook page, "since 2012, the Universal Rights Awards Ceremony was the first multi-mission initiative to highlight the contributions of Armenia’s civil rights activists, government officials, and media and civil society representatives to the promotion of human rights." 

Photo: Representatives of the Women's Resource Center of Armenia with US Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern and British Ambassador Kathy Leach.