The possible move to cut the funding for the Armenian Human Rights Defender's Office will have a negative impact on its A status and will clear the way for a process of reviewing the accreditation of the office sought by Azerbaijan for a long time, Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan told reporters on Saturday, noting that this status gives them an opportunity to be elected to and participate in elections of the governing bodies of international human rights institutions.
“Today we are part of the governing bodies of various institutions. It allows us to deliver speeches at such venues where countries with the B status cannot, for example, the Azerbaijani Human Rights Defender’s Office,” Tatoyan said.
“If not for our status, it is not ruled out that Azerbaijan’s efforts to make numerous complaints against us would succeed. I must say that the stronger the institution of the ombudsman, the higher the democracy in the country. Whether I like it or not, the issue is at the center of attention of international organizations. You saw how the Freedom House reacted," the ombudsman said.
Tatoyan does not rule out that the bill seeking to reduce the funding for the Ombudsman's Office approved by the government will be adopted by the National Assembly, stating the move is politically motivated.
"This is obviously an unconstitutional bill. If it is passed, I will immediately apply to the Constitutional Court to challenge its constitutionality. Moreover, I will immediately file a motion to the court to suspend this provision, as it will cause problems for the country's legal security and democracy," he said, adding that he will await the conclusions of international organizations and institutions.