Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan has released a statement:

“Dear compatriots,

Our country is in a responsible phase of the spread and prevention of a new type of coronavirus (COVID19) infection. From the first moment when the first case of coronavirus infection was registered in our country, the whole process has been under the direct attention of the Human Rights Defender every day.

At this time I consider it necessary to make a number of important records:

1. First, we must strictly adhere to all requirements for the prevention of this virus, including high social responsibility, compliance with all hygiene rules and social distancing. Visiting mass events and crowded places should be avoided, especially if they are indoors.
2. No attention should be paid to unverified or false information. All material that is not based on official sources should be ignored or not disseminated.
3. Only trusted official websites and official social network sites and official posts should be trusted;
4. You should not engage in social network discussions that are based on information originating from false accounts or have initiated such accounts. The spread of false information on social media is clearly condemned.
5. In this responsible period for all of us, we must show a high level of civic consciousness and together we must foster an atmosphere of solidarity. We should treat each other with respect and not offend one another: insulting the other will not prevent this evil;
6. No one’s personal or family life can be targeted. Please stop discussing the dignity of a woman infected with coronavirus found in Echmiadzin and insult her.
7. Avoidance of disclosure of personal data is extremely important during this responsible period. Identifying information about people who have been infected or suspected of infection should not be published. It should be remembered that by publishing and identifying medical secrets we make personal and family life a target of insult.
8. I apply the media and journalists to be highly professional and, regardless of political, personal or any other circumstance, not to disseminate unverified or false information; Remember, such materials mislead our compatriots and cause tension.
9. Our medical staff perform heroic work. This work is invaluable and deserves exceptional respect.
10. In the scope of the Human rights defender’s jurisdiction we are concerned with the processes and discussions taking place in the country, from the rights of children, the organization of classes in educational institutions to the rights of people in closed institutions. I have been in constant contact with all relevant authorities and services since the first time this virus was recorded. Responsible persons are appointed in our staff:
11. Just today, I also had the necessary discussions with our competent colleagues, members of the National Assembly, including all the issues discussed shortly before with Diana Gasparyan, the Mayor of Echmiadzin. Echmiadzin is in a special situation now, the issues of our compatriots in Echmiadzin are a priority.
12. I wish a speedy recovery to all our compatriots who have had a coronavirus,” he said.