AUA Hosts International Conference on Human Rights

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On December 3-4, the American University of Armenia (AUA) College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) and Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice (MAHRSJ) program, in collaboration with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI), hosted an international conference titled “Human Rights Research in Armenia: Current and Emerging Issues.”

The conference was part of a broader collaboration with the RWI, which included a workshop on Human Rights Research in Armenia held at the AUA Najarian Building on October 4, 2023.

The event brought together leading experts, policymakers, academics, and students to address human rights challenges and opportunities in Armenia and beyond.

The two-day conference featured a dynamic agenda, including workshops and six panel sessions, two of which were student-led, with one presented by MAHRSJ program students.

The conference opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Hagop A. Yacoubian, AUA CHSS dean and H.E. Mr. Klas Waldenström, deputy head of Mission and head of Development Cooperation at the Swedish Embassy in Armenia.

The first panel, titled “Advancing Human Rights and Justice: Inclusive Societies, Accountability, and Socio-Economic Realities,” tackled diverse issues, such as anti-corruption efforts, judicial reforms, and the fundamental right to resocialization for convicts. It was followed by a panel on “Challenges of Legal Education in Armenia,” moderated by Dr. Arman Tatoyan, AUA MAHRSJ program chair. During the panel, prominent educators and legal professionals discussed ongoing reforms and related challenges in higher education to identify steps for preparing the next generation of legal experts.

The day concluded with the first student panel, titled “Human Rights and New Technologies.” Presentations highlighted how LegalTech and artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance access to justice, while mitigating potential human rights risks. 

The second day of the conference began with a student-led panel, where students from MAHRSJ program discussed topics ranging from AI’s impact on human rights to the responsibility for genocide. This session demonstrated the program’s role in shaping future leaders in the field.

Another session featured a workshop led by Dr. Anna Khvorostiankina, titled “It All Starts in a Classroom: Innovative Approaches to Teaching Law and Human Rights,” which highlighted creative and practical methodologies to inspire and educate future professionals in the field.

The afternoon panel, titled “Intersectional Perspectives on Peace, Gender Equality, and Post-Conflict Justice,” explored critical topics such as gender discrimination and the role of the European Court of Human Rights in addressing property rights violations in conflict zones.

The conference concluded with a session on “The Effectiveness of Legal Mechanisms for the Protection of Victims of Domestic Violence.” Discussions focused on strengthening legal frameworks and implementing strategies to enhance protections for victims, with contributions from women’s rights experts and legal practitioners.

In closing remarks, Dr. Tatoyan and Hanna Johnsson, director of the Armenia Programme of the RWI of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, outlined actionable strategies to further human rights research and foster collaboration among key stakeholders.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.