Euronest Parliamentary Assembly Assemblée parlementaire Euronest Parlamentarische Versammlung Euronest Парламентская Aссамблея Евронест

Committee on Social Affairs, Education, Culture and Civil Society

Minutes of the meeting of 22-23 February 2012 Yerevan

The meeting opened at 16.49 with Co-Chair Artak ZAKARYAN in the chair.

1. Adoption of draft agenda

The draft agenda was adopted

2. Approval of the minutes of the meeting of the Committee on Social Affairs, Education, Culture and Civil Society held on 14 September 2011 in Strasbourg

No objections were raised and the minutes of the meeting of 14 September were approved.

3. Strengthening the civil societies: - Presentation of the draft report on "Strengthening of civil society in the Eastern Partnership Countries, including the question of cooperation between government and civil society, and the question of the reforms aimed at empowerment of civil society" by co-rapporteur Mr Artak ZAKARYAN, Armenia, and Mr Cristian Silviu BUSOI on behalf of co- rapporteur Ms Iliana Malinova IOTOVA, European Parliament - Exchange of views on the draft report - Setting of a deadline for submitting amendments

EaP Co-rapporteur ZAKARYAN and Mr BUSOI, on behalf of EP Co-rapporteur, Mrs IOTOVA presented the report.

Mr BUSOI, on behalf of Mrs IOTOVA, highlighted the main issues expressed in the report. He stressed the uttermost importance of civil societies in following the government actions, thus enabling every citizen to participate in the political, economic and social life of the country. The report focuses on the existing problems in the entire region to find solutions to common problems, such as organising free and fair elections, freedom of the media, freedom of participation in professional associations, noteworthy gender gap as to wages, reform of the judiciary and fight against corruption, possible obstacles to registration of NGOs. Regarding administrative reform, fiscal autonomy of regions making them dependant on the centre is one of the main problems.

PV/900165EN.doc AP 101.224v01-00 Co-rapporteur ZAKARYAN presented what value the civil society has, how can it contribute to the democratization process. This was the focus of the report. The draft highlights that obstacles, legal and administrative should not be posed to the work of civil society. The organisations should be involved in different sectors. The report welcomes the creation of National Platforms and stresses the importance of their participation in all Eastern Partnership Platforms. Moreover, civil societies are also essential in monitoring of free media, they should engage in monitoring free and fair elections. According to the report, the role of ombudspersons should be strengthened, and the European social model promoted. The financial commitments for development of civil society are also relevant and the EU is encouraged to treat the Southern and Eastern Dimensions equitably.

In the ensuing discussion, Members gave their support to the resolution suggesting some amendments as well.

Suggestion was made to establish a non-controversial topic on which there could be two co-rapporteurs from the Partner side, namely Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The deadline for amendments was set for 9 March.

The following spoke: Artak ZAKHARYAN (co-rapporteur), Cristian Silviu BUSOI (EP – on behalf of the EP co-rapporteur Iotova), Azay GULYEV (AZ); Milan CABRNOCH (EP), Tatjana ZDANOKA (EP), Vahan HOVANNASYAN (AR), Naira ZOHRABYAN (AR), Hovhannes SAHAKYAN (AR), Larisa ALAVERDYAN (AR), Rovshan RZAYEV (AZ), Boris VIERU (MD).

4. Joint meeting with the representatives of the Armenian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum with the participation of Mr Karen ANDREASYAN, Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia

Mr Karen ANDREASYAN presented the work of his office and situation of civil society in Armenia. The Ombudsman underlined one important inconsistency- as the civil society organisations perceive the Ombudsman as a member of government, whereas executive perceive it as a civil society institution, and there is still difficulty to explain the position of the institution. It is a stand-alone unit trying to act as a bridge between the two organisations- a platform for dialogue, and still developing its position in Armenia. In Armenia there are conflicts and clashes still as to civil society. There is resistance to its development, also from people in government, but these are natural. Disagreement is dangerous when an NGO is just a pretext for carrying out other activities and interests, or trying to discredit the other organisations' work. There is a difficult legacy from the past. In Armenia, there is already a number of NGOs that are professional and that do criticise, but fairly. Civil movements are increasingly important in Armenia. Mass media have their problems. They exist but are still not independent and responsibility. There are some highlights on protection of human rights and impact on civil society. Freedom of speech legislation is good, but there is the question of enforcement that limits it. Regarding the freedom of assembly, the positive development is the recent adoption of a law thereon. It is clear that civil society is important actor, but the decision makers tend to take the decisions that they wanted to take all along. The opinions of the civil society have to be listened to and also taken on board. Prompted by questions from Members, the Ombudsman mentioned the human rights violations that are encountered in Armenia, such as violation of rights of detainees in police custody, torture and violence, child rights, and those of vulnerable groups,

PV/900165EN.doc AP 101.224v01-00 freedom of speech, particularly on television, some discriminatory attitude towards women and sexual and other minorities. Many issues depend on the economic difficulties as well, some on stereotypes.

The representatives of civil society organisations participating in the Armenian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum and Members took the floor to present the activities of their respective organisations and to voice concerns regarding some issues including: ensuring gender equality and fighting discrimination against disability; promoting regional cooperation, learning from European example; right to fair legal processes; importance of cultural cooperation; the paradox of the digitalisation of media and reduction of number of frequencies.

The following spoke: Azay GULIYEV (AZ), Laima Liucija ANDRIKIENE (EP co- chair), Armen ALAVERDYAN (NGO "Unison"), Stepan GRIGORYAN (NGO, Analytica Centre on Globalization and Regional Cooperation), Larisa ALAVERDYAN (AR), Arsen HAMBARYAN (NGO, Van-Vaspurakan), Levon BARSEGHYAN (Journalists' Club "Asparez"), Araik HOVHANNISYAN (Association of Municipal Councilors); Edouard HOVHANNISYAN (Achilles – Society for the Defence of Drivers’rights), Vache KALASHYAN (Union of Armenian Government Employees), Lilit GALSTIAN (AR), Hovhanes HOVHANNESYAN (Public Council).

The meeting was suspended at 19.30

The meeting resumed at 9.20. In the chair: Mrs ANDRIKIENE

5. The role of youth - Presentation by Ms Karine HARUTYUNYAN, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia - Exchange of views with the representatives of Youth Parliaments

Deputy Minister Karine HARUTYUNYAN presented the situation regarding education, training and youth. The framework of reference is the EU- Armenia PCA article 52 with reference to education and training, the ENP AP from 2006 with two main points on the same issues, and the Eastern Partnership declarations. Armenia is part of the European Higher Education Area and is achieving goals under this area (includes Bologna process). It introduces the Bachelor/Master system in 1990s and is promoting mobility programmes with European universities, however the number of students participating is still quite low. Some main challenges include social dimension, namely involving the vulnerable groups in higher education systems, funding of universities, recognition, national qualification framework and further improvement of the quality system, recognition of diplomas, mobility and exchange.

The representatives of the different factions of the Youth Parliament presented their work and the work of their Parliament set up in 2011.

The following spoke: Ms Karine HARUTYUNYAN (Deputy Minister), Harutyun AZGALDYAN (on behalf of the youth Parliament), Cristian Silviu BUSOI (EP), Narek

PV/900165EN.doc AP 101.224v01-00 VANESYAN (Youth NA), Karlen KHACHATRYAN (Youth NA), Margarita HAKOBYAN (Youth NA), Hayk KONJORYAN (Youth NA).

6. Promoting social inclusion policies and poverty reduction strategies - Presentation by Mr Artur GRIGORYAN, Minister of Labour and Social Issues of the Republic of Armenia and by USAID/EU on their strategies, policies and projects - Preliminary exchange of views on the second report on "Combating poverty and social exclusion in the EaP countries"

Ms Jatinder CHEEBA presented the work carried out by the USAID in poverty reduction and combating social exclusion. It has been a partner with Armenian government on health and social issues twenty years. However from the humanitarian type of assistance, it moved more towards reform oriented agenda. The USAID has been working with the government in three priority areas: pension reform, working with people with disabilities, and employment centres improvement to integrate people better into the labour market. The pension reform law has to be implemented within two years, the USAID is assisting with this, particularly on awareness raising thereon. In area of disability, there is a programme to integrate them into the labour market, training them and creating incentives for employment of people with disabilities. These are the main areas also due to contraction of the budget.

Minister of Labour and Social Issues, Artur GRIGORYAN presented the main social sector reforms in Armenia, aimed at ensuring social inclusion. Pension reforms aims to improve the social situation of the pensioner and fundamental change of the pension system. The pensions will be significantly increased in years ahead and the effectiveness of management of pensions will be improved, the centralized database of the pension will be launched in 2012 to this end. Work is being done in changing legislation on persons with disabilities; introduce a new model on evaluating disabilities according to UN system. Regarding child protection the objective is to create a three- tier system at national, regional and community level. Gender issues – 2011-15 strategy for gender policy adopted, draft law on equal rights and opportunities between men and women.

Mrs VAIDERE presented, on behalf of Mrs LUKACIEWSKA, co-rapporteur on behalf of the EP, her comments on the working document presented. Focus on issues of social inclusion and poverty, setting social inclusion and protections as main objectives. Poverty and economy are directly interlinked; therefore market economies are the driving forces. The report will aim to emphasise the reform processes to keep the market competitive, developing health care system, education. Furthermore, closed borders present an obstacle to development. Trade is one of the stimuli instead to growth and to encourage all stakeholders to get involved to combat poverty and social exclusion at all levels.

Mr ZAKARYAN, Co-rapporteur on behalf of the Eastern Partners, followed up to Mrs VAIDERE’s presentation. He noted the importance of trade liberalisation and integration between EaP countries and development of regional markets. Furthermore, promotion of SMEs is a key point. Call on European Commission to monitor how these goals should be implemented.

PV/900165EN.doc AP 101.224v01-00 The following spoke: Jatinder K. CHEEBA (USAID), Tamara Abramyan (president of ARAZAB NGO), Artur GRIGORYAN (Minister of Labour and Social Issues); Inese VAIDERE (on behalf of the EP co-rapporteur), Artak ZAKHARYAN (EaP co- rappoteur), Azay GULYEV (AZ), Milan CABRNOCH (EP), Larisa ALAVERDYAN (AR), Tatjana ZDANOKA (EP).

7. Mobility as a catalyst for cultural, education, social exchanges and promotion of integration between EU and EaP - Presentation of projects and approaches by EU - Exchange of views

Ambassador Traian HRISTEA welcomed the meeting of the Social Committee and particularly the participation of the Azeri delegation. He stressed the importance of mobility, noting that its enhancement through different efforts was one of the key elements of the new and enhanced Neighbourhood Policy. Moreover, the first multilateral EaP Platform focuses on contacts between people. Eastern Partnership envisages cooperation in sectors such as education, promoting mobility through Erasmus Mundus and Tempus programmes. Eastern Europe is one of the priority areas of the Global Approach to Migration. Mobility Partnership is a concrete tool to better promote mobility and labour migration. It has been concluded with Armenia in 2011, and before that with Georgia and Moldova. Another way of fostering mobility is visa facilitation. Platforms such as the Social Committee are the appropriate fora to develop common approaches and develop proposals.

The Members of the Committee exchanged views and experience regarding the process of visa dialogue in their own countries and in the EP. Ambassador HRISTEA underlined that the differential approach is not only political connotation but also technical and legal framework. He reminded that during the Warsaw summit both EU and the Partners agreed to the double-track approach to visa liberalisation with first visa facilitation, which will eventually lead to visa liberalisation.

The following spoke: Traian HRISTEA (Head of EU Delegation), Tatjana ZDANOKA (EP), Rovshan RZAYEV (AZ), Boris TARASYUK (UA), VARDANIAN (youth NA), Inese VAIDERE (EP).

8. Women - empowering women - in parliaments and civil society - Presentation of projects and approaches by Mr Michael MURPHY, National Democratic Institute (NDI) and Ms Jemma HASRATYAN, Association of Women with University Education - Exchange of views

Mr Michael MURPHY (NDI) presented women’s empowerment strategy developed by NDI, based on the premise that given the opportunity for leadership, combined with proper training and provided with adequate resources and support, the women themselves will make the choices, set the priorities and implement the strategies that best address the issues of importance to women. A Women’s Advocacy Board was established in 2005, with diverse membership from NGOs to business sector, from academia to political parties. It continues today as a focal point. Women’s Policy Platform for Armenia was created in 2011 following a conference by the Women’s

PV/900165EN.doc AP 101.224v01-00 Board. Four critical issue areas were identified for action: 1. increasing women’s political participation; 2. education and economic empowerment; 3. educing gender and domestic violence; 4. improving health care access for women. The strategies adopted are currently being implemented through projects. Women and Youth Leadership schools were established in 2009 following on the success of the Board. Approximately 150 women have graduated from these schools. Most of these are nominated by political parties and civil society organisations. Women’s Candidate school is another initiative, aiming to assist women who want to become candidates in Local Councils.

Mrs Jemma HASRATYAN underlined three issues of most concern, particularly regarding participation of women in politics. Low representation of women in the Armenian National Assembly is a concern, however recently the parliament adopted the law on elections with specific women quota aiming to increase presence of women to twenty percent. The concern that arises is to have women who have experience working in politics. Low representation of women at local level (around 6%) remains concern. Another area to deal with is the pay gap between men and women. Measures that have been taken include a State gender policy plan and a strategy for implementation adopted in 2010. There is ongoing effort to improve the situation and participation of women through Women leadership schools- to acquire techniques and skills to participate in political life. Concern is that the influence of those women present in political life, on political lists and in their political parties, is nevertheless very low. They need only ability, but there has to be also respect for the women component in each party. Eastern Partnership is a valuable tool to discuss these issues and improve the role of women.

In the discussion that ensued, Members presented their different position regarding the participation of women in political life in Armenia. Very different points of view emerged- from the consideration that natural processes should be followed, to those believing in active quotas should be presented. Other Members presented the situation in their countries.

The following spoke: Michael MURPHY (NDI), Jemma HASRATYAN (Association of Women with University Education), Artak ZAKARYAN (AR), Larisa ALAVERDYAN (AR), Karine ATSHEMYAN (AR), Lilit GALSTIAN (AR), Volodymyr LEMZA (UA), Tatjana ZDANOKA (EP), Rovshan RZAYEV (AZ), Margarita HAKOBYAN (Youth NA), Hayk KONJORYAN (Youth NA), Hovhannes SAHAKYAN (AR), Naira ZOHRABYAN (AR)

9. Any other business None.

10. Date and place of the next meeting

The chair announced that next meeting will take place in Baku on 2 April.

The meeting closed at 12.50.

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