Armenia’s human rights defender on Monday voiced his strong opposition to a proposal for creating a separate institution of a business ombudsman.

In a speech at the National Assembly, Arman Tatoyan called instead for active efforts towards developing the existing system.

“It is more preferable to develop the functioning institution rather than create a new one,” he said, responding to Mikael Melkuman, an opposition MP from the Tsarukyan alliance.

“We are now in intensive talks with the EU, involving also representatives of the sector, so I believe we will have a solution in the near future,” the ombudsman said, adding that active discussions with the European Development Bank are also now underway. 

Tatoyan also addressed the reported violations of employment rights, citing the absence of a judiciary system as a reason accounting for abuses.

“That kind of agency would relieve the courts’ burden as an independent body. In many countries, of course, it is the ombudsman’s responsibility, yet there are countries where different formats are put in place,” he added.