YEREVAN, Armenia — Ozheni Avetisyan (MAHRSJ ’26) is a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice program at the American University of Armenia (AUA). Her deep commitment to equity is what brought her to the program. “I have always cared deeply about fairness and human dignity,” she says.
With a background in English and cross-cultural communication, Ozheni worked hard to gain admission to MAHRSJ. Her achievement was the result of strong dedication and persistence, ultimately earning her not only a place at the University, but also significant financial support through scholarships from both AUA and the Children of Armenia Fund.
At the time, she was raising a one-year-old child and initially thought balancing motherhood with pursuing a master’s degree would be impossible. However, she chose to pursue her studies despite the challenges and managed to excel both as a student and as a mother. During her studies, she distinguished herself academically and was among the students with the highest GPA. “AUA breaks stereotypes,” she says. “Here, I realized that not only could I study human rights, but I could also continue to be a devoted mother.”
The MAHRSJ program has helped her view justice through both a local and global lens. “Locally, it deepened my understanding of Armenia’s specific social and legal challenges, while globally, it allowed me to connect these issues to broader human rights frameworks,” she explains. “I learned that although contexts differ, many struggles are interconnected and require both local insight and global cooperation.”
She credits her AUA courses with sharpening her practical skills, particularly in understanding the role of international protection mechanisms. “At AUA, I learned how to apply to the European Court of Human Rights, how to file cases, and how in general the process works,” she says. “I also realized that it does not matter whether you are a lawyer or non-lawyer — if you truly believe human rights and dignity should be protected, you will always find a way to contribute to that work.”
This academic foundation directly influenced her master’s thesis, which examines the effectiveness of the International Criminal Court. “It was a very meaningful research project for me,” Ozheni says. “During the research, I realized that although the International Criminal Court is considered one of the most powerful and important international courts, in reality, it does not always fully serve its mandate. In my thesis, I proposed several ways the Court could improve its enforcement powers, manage to prosecute powerful leaders,and most importantly be financially independent from member states.”
Ozheni’s education perfectly aligns with her professional role as a public interest specialist at Mission Armenia NGO. In this position, she focuses on fundamental human rights, specifically protecting the rights of children, people with disabilities, the elderly, and refugees. “Through this work, I became deeply passionate mostly about protecting the fundamental rights of refugees,” she says. “It is incredibly difficult for people to leave their home country because of hardships and begin a new life elsewhere. Refugees face a multitude of challenges. Starting over and adapting to a new environment is not just a social issue, but also a humanitarian and psychological one. I do not want to leave these people alone with all those issues.”
For Ozheni, human rights advocacy extends far beyond courts and formal institutions into everyday actions. “In everyday life, if you witness a situation where human rights are violated and you decide to remain silent, then you are not contributing to the protection of human rights. I believe that everyone who values justice and fairness should stand up and act for those principles instead of waiting for lawyers or judges alone to create justice,” she remarks.
Ozheni sees digital platforms as a vital tool for youth-driven advocacy, urging her peers to use their voices constructively. “Social media is a powerful tool,” she says. “Young people can contribute by discussing issues that truly matter, sharing information, telling stories, and influencing others to care for human rights. When we see a human rights violation and simply scroll past it to watch entertainment content instead, it shows indifference. I would encourage young people who care about the future to pay attention to human rights violations and speak up about them.”
Looking ahead, Ozheni aims to transition to an advisory role, maintaining a human-centered approach to advocacy. “I am not a lawyer, and I do not necessarily want to become one, because I believe human rights professionals often approach these issues from a more humanitarian perspective,” she says. “My goal for the next five years is to work at the International Criminal Court and contribute meaningfully to the field of human rights.”
To prospective students, she emphasizes the value of proactive engagement and more of practical learning. “A large part of my growth came from experiences outside the classroom,” she says. “I actively sought opportunities, worked on real cases, and dedicated additional time to researching and preparing applications to the European Court of Human Rights. Theory is important, but practical experience and curiosity make a huge difference. Studying at AUA can be an incredibly rewarding experience if you actively seek opportunities beyond the classroom and remain connected to the real issues affecting society.”
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 (WSCUC) 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.