Constitutional Reform Discussion

18:30-19:30 Presentation

19:30 Questions/Answers

Speakers:

Siranush Sahakyan, Chairperson of the Commission on Ethics of High-Ranking Officials of Armenia;  Yeghishe Kirakosyan, Chief Legal Counsel – IDeA Foundation                      

 During the event the differences of the current Constitution and the proposed draft amendments on fundamental human and civil rights and freedoms will be discussed. Special focus will be given to a new structure and distinction made between rights, which are directly applicable and social rights, which are spelled out as objectives of the state policy or rights to be defined by law, as justiciable subjective rights. The catalogue of fundamental rights is enriched with additional rights and standards in the draft, which will also be discussed. Another important aspect of the debate will be the new constitutional solution for limitation of rights and derogation.

Implementation of the international commitments of the Republic of Armenia should be regulated in a detailed way through the Constitution. What are the main challenges for Armenia in foreign policy? Does the Constitution address them? Apart from the mentioned, the participation of Armenia in International/supranational organizations and international judicial institutions creates additional need for further regulation. Implementation of international law requires appropriate techniques and provisions in the national legislation, including Constitution.

The presentation is in English and is open to AUA Community.