YEREVAN, Armenia — On January 29, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice (MAHRSJ) program hosted H.E. Vassilis Maragos, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and head of the European Union (EU) delegation to Armenia, for a talk.
Before the event, Ambassador Maragos met with AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian to discuss EU-AUA cooperation and joint initiatives.
The ambassador’s talk, titled “The EU’s Role in Advancing Human Rights: Insights from Armenia and Beyond,” was delivered as part of the MAHRSJ program at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Dr. Arman Tatoyan, MAHRSJ program chair, gave opening remarks, welcoming Ambassador Maragos and the audience. In his speech, Dr. Tatoyan emphasized that human rights, democracy, and the rule of law must be non-negotiable in Armenia. He also highlighted that the proper realization of these values strengthens and enhances Armenia’s security.
The head of the EU delegation reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, both in Armenia and globally. He addressed pressing regional and global challenges — ranging from democratic backsliding to humanitarian crises — and emphasized the EU’s support for Armenia’s reform agenda. The talk highlighted key areas of cooperation with Armenia, including the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, visa liberalization, human rights dialogues, and the EU Mission in Armenia.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, during which students and faculty discussed pressing human rights issues and the future of EU-Armenia cooperation.
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.
