RA Human Rights Defender responds to involvement of school teachers  and students in ruling party`s election campaign

ArmInfo. Armenia's Human Rights Defender, Anahit Manasyan, responded in an unfocused manner to the involvement of teachers, staff, and students of educational institutions in the villages of Aragats and Kuchak in election  campaigning, refraining from mentioning that this was done by the  ruling Civil Contract party of incumbent Prime Minister Nikol  Pashinyan.

According to the Office of the Human Rights Defender (HRD), the HRD  specifically reminded that the unimpeded, uninterrupted, and full  realization of children's right to education during the election  period must be a priority and guaranteed. "The Human Rights  Commission reaffirms that the state, educational institutions, and  all competent authorities are obligated to guarantee an environment  in which the educational process is not disrupted by any external  interference, including actions related to political processes," the  Ombudsman emphasized.

Furthermore, Manasyan noted the importance of educational  institutions and competent authorities ensuring that methods are in  place to prevent interruptions or disruptions to the educational  process during classes.  "The Office of the Human Rights Commissioner  of Armenia continues to monitor issues related to the protection of  human rights during electoral processes, ensuring impartial,  independent, and apolitical activities within the scope of its  mandate," the Human Rights Commission assured.

The observation mission "Akanates" (Witness - ed.) also issued a  statement regarding the situation. The mission recalled that a case  of violating the ban on political activity in general education  institutions and involving minors in campaigning was recorded on May  13, 2026, during the ruling Civil Contract party's election campaign,  with the participation of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in  the Aparan community.

"Mission observers observed on-site that principals and teachers from  several schools in the community and surrounding villages  participated in the event, which was organized during school hours.  What's even more alarming is that, on the direct orders of teachers  and the administration, students were taken out of the classroom to  meet with the Prime Minister and ensure their participation in the  campaign event. Flags were distributed to the children, and  instructions were given in advance, including regarding their  appearance, clothing, and hairstyle," Akanates noted.

It is noted that the observation mission personally witnessed some  school principals and teachers giving instructions in a loud and  stern tone during telephone conversations, demanding that children's  participation be mandatory and organized. "According to confirmed  reports, students from the Tsaghkashen village school were not only  excused from classes to participate in the rally, but were also given  T-shirts bearing symbols associated with the ruling Civil Contract  party and its political propaganda. One individual actively  coordinated the movement of the crowd, personally greeting the  children, distributing campaign flags, and giving clear instructions  to those present about who should be where during the event.  According to Akanates, the rally was organized by a man named Edgar,"  the observation mission noted. It noted that the mission also  recorded the organized presence of private sector employees at the  political event, specifically, personnel from the company Gntunik. In  this regard, Akanates reiterated that the involvement of public  educational institutions in pre-election processes, the suspension of  educational activities, and the use of minors as a political tool  contradict the principles of depoliticization of educational  institutions and international standards for democratic elections.

"According to the Armenian Law on General Education, political  activity or campaigning is prohibited in educational institutions,  and the Republic's Electoral Code prohibits educational institution  employees from organizing or conducting election campaigning while  exercising their official duties or positions. Such abuse of  authority and official position by school administration is subject  to strict legal scrutiny," Akanates concluded.

As ArmInfo reported, the Armenian Ministry of Education, Science,  Culture, and Sports (MECS) also issued an earlier, vague statement.  The ministry noted that a separate investigation would be initiated  to clarify all the circumstances of the incident and implement the  consequences stipulated by law, in conjunction with the authorized  body. The MECS assured that all incoming reports would also be  forwarded to law enforcement agencies for investigation in the  prescribed manner. However, the ministry avoided mentioning that this  was done by the ruling party.