We, the undersigned civil society organizations, express our deep concern that authoritarian practices have taken root in the local self-government processes of Pambak community in Lori region, manifested in the suppression of residents’ and citizens’ freedom of speech and the continued violation of socio-ecological rights.
Over the past four years, 12 public hearings have been held in Pambak community regarding development of new metallic mineral reserves and expansion of mines in the agricultural lands of Qaraberd and Pambak settlements. Residents and citizens have repeatedly stated their opposition to mine expansion and new mine openings in Qaraberd, but these voices have been consistently ignored by Pambak’s local authorities.
We, the civil society organizations, declare that:
The public hearing-discussion convened on August 13 in Qaraberd settlement did not take place. Any record claiming otherwise is false. We demand that the local government of Pambak community invalidate it.
A process to restore and strengthen democracy must be carried out in Pambak community.
Signatories:
- Sona Ayvazyan, Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center
- Oleg Dulgaryan, “Center for Community Consolidation and Support” NGO
- Levon Barseghyan, “Asparez” Journalists’ Club
- Artur Sakunts, Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Office
- Vahram Hoveyan, “Bayazet” Center NGO
- Gevorg Kotanjyan, “Direct Democracy” NGO
- Tehmine Yenokyan, “Green Armenia” NGO
- Henrik Mkhitaryan, “Green Change” NGO
- Arpine Yeritsyan, “Civil Youth Center” NGO
- Arsen Arsenyan, “Healthy Hrazdan” Civic Initiative
- Hripsime Kocharyan, “Successful Woman” NGO
- Mher Karagyozyan, “Public Oversight” NGO
- Mamikon Hovsepyan, “Pink” Human Rights NGO
- Inga Zarafyan, “EcoLur” Informational NGO
- Ashkhen Babayan, “Spitak Helsinki Group” NGO
- Tigran Matevosyan, “Armash” Rural Communities Support and Development Center NGO
- Ashot Ohanyan, “Healthy Environment” NGO
- Artur Vardazaryan, “New Horizons” NGO
- Anna Melikyan, “Protection of Rights without Borders” NGO
- Armenian Environmental Front (volunteer initiative)
- Seda Muradyan, Public Journalism Club NGO
- Zhanna Aleksanyan, Journalists for Human Rights NGO
- Hayk Abrahamyan, Eco-Activism Academy
August 19, 2025 at 14:48