EQUAL RIGHTS FOR BOTH GENDERS IS THE BASIS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS GUARANTEES

ARMINFO NEWS AGENCY: Interview with Consuelo Vidal, UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia, on the occasion of the International Women's Day and National Day of Motherhood and Beauty.

There exist certain international perceptions regarding the role of women in a society: to what extent do Armenian women correspond to these perceptions? In your opinion, what are the major problems encountered by women in Armenia?

The situation with status of women in Armenia is very important for the United Nations, as far as it touches upon human rights issue and implies gender equality lying in the basis for guarantees for human rights. Both men and women should have equal opportunities. Although Armenia has succeeded in development by many indicators, there is still much to be done. In particular, specific measures are necessary for promotion of women participation in the political life of the country, which will facilitate expression of their viewpoints in national politics.

In Armenia, like in Russia and Kazakhstan, the indicator of women representation in Parliament is below 10%. There is an opinion that despite the existing national programme for promotion of women in politics, the implementation of the programme is hindered by absence of political will.

It is unacceptable that the number of women in the Parliament of Armenia is less than 5%; there are no women among ministers as well. If we want the voice of a woman to be heard, and that is more than 50% of Armenian population, then women must be represented in political life of the country. Women know better than anyone else about the needs existing in the country. Women know what the families - the society's cells and support - need: that is why it is so important that the voices of women be heard and their opinions taken into consideration. The issue of non-involvement of Armenian woman into politics has several factors and is based on the desire of woman herself to participate in political life, as well as her awareness of the importance of participation and desire to run for candidacy during elections. Moreover, besides political will, international organizations and mass media must support women in their desire to take part in political life. In any case, it is unrealistic to expect any progress in such a short period of time. A longer period is required for solving the problem. This process should attract the attention not only of the Parliament but that of larger stratum of society. This is a long-term process of public awareness building.

This year, during the 61st Session of the General Assembly, the elections of the new General Secretary will be held. What is your attitude towards numerous requests regarding the appointment of a woman for this position?

I think that the time has come when the position of UN General Secretary should be occupied by a woman. I believe this will be an important contribution to the piece-building process.

Is there a definite candidacy for the position of UN General Secretary?

It is still early to talk about a specific candidacy; however, if, as a result of elections, the position will be held by a woman, that would be great.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has implemented a programme on fight against corruption in the past, which received positive response, particularly among journalists participating in the programme. Are you going to continue the programme in the nearest future?

We had an agreement regarding UNDP's support to the national anti-corruption programme. In the framework of this agreement, we were able to implement the anti-corruption programme consisting of the monitoring of corruption risks. Monitoring was carried out by representatives of mass media, non-governmental organizations, and just active citizens in Yerevan and eight other marzes. The programme has come to conclusion, and presently we are elaborating a new one. It is not clear yet which aspect will be included in it - we are intending to expand the programme frames, make it more targeted. The next programme will be implemented in line with the National Anti-Corruption Programme. The fight against corruption implies participation of the whole community and the desire of the public itself to participate in it. As far as I understand, currently it is problematic. In the future, we will be working with the government structures and mass media, which will enable to have a wider access to the community.

What is your estimation of Armenia's achievements in the accomplishment of Millennium Development Goals? Particularly, to what extent have the indices of poverty reduction been improved in Armenia?

I think that currently the situation in Armenia is quite favourable for achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the framework of UN Programme. The MDGs envisage achievement of various indicators - from halving extreme poverty by 2015 to halting HIV/AIDS. Poverty reduction indicators are particularly positive in Armenia. However, it is still necessary to make sure that in the framework of poverty reduction programme all stratum of society benefit equally from economic growth. Obviously, the situation in the capital city cannot be compared to that of the rural areas. The living standards in rural areas are much lower than those of Yerevan.

How are UN or UNESCO going to follow up the situation in Old Joulfa, where historical Armenian monuments have been subjected to vandalism from Azerbaijani side?

UNESCO addresses the issue: let's wait for a respond from them. It is important to keep in mind that preservation of cultural-historical values must be above any local or global conflict. Cultural-historical heritage must be respected.

How is UN intending to assist the Government of Armenia in holding of upcoming elections in 2007 and 2008?

OSCE and Council of Europe are participating in monitoring of electoral processes in Armenia. I believe that all international organizations are glad to help the Government of Armenia in the electoral process in order to guarantee citizen participation there. We are intending to work in this direction too, and will soon start a project of support to electoral processes in all electoral committees.

Thank you.

Oksana Musaelyan, ARMINFO, 27 March 2006