The events that have been taking place in Armenian society in 2010 and 2011 go to show that state bodies are violating equal opportunities and guarantees for all. On the other hand, there is a layer of society that is actively protecting its rights and interests, as stated in the network’s statement. According to the document, this was once again proved after the RA Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs presented the draft law “On Making Changes in the RA Law “On Temporary Disability Benefits” and the National Assembly finally confirmed it late last year. The social movement against the provisions stated in the adopted law started in the capital and has spread to the Syunik, Shirak and Tavush provinces. People of all ages and professions have joined the ongoing petition at www.cspn.am. Over 1,600 citizens from different Armenian provinces have already joined the petition by clicking on the link //www.cspn.am/arm/interactive/e-petition/?ep=gender-equality&bp=1. According to the network’s statement, this proves that Armenian society is not indifferent toward issues related to the protection of young employed women’s rights. All 27 Civil Society Partnership Network-member organizations, active civil groups and other non-governmental organizations concerned about women’s rights and media representatives have participated in the public discourse on the new draft law “On Making Changes in the RA Law “On Temporary Disability Benefits” proposed by the RA Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. If confirmed by the government, the new draft law will be discussed at the National Assembly. The 27 CSPN-member non-governmental organizations are calling on Armenian legislative and executive bodies to adopt a balanced and transparent working style, adopt laws that don’t violate the rights of any group of society through public discourse and ensure the involvement of the public at large in the adoption of state policy and laws as a guarantee for the protection of the rights and interests of all members of society. Taking into account the importance of the role of Civil Society in sustaining of democracy, as an additional organized realm on increasing the governance accountability and institutionalized human rights protection, Civil Society Partnership Network (CSPN) is claimed to coordinate and direct the activities of the organizations concerned with poverty eradication and other social policies in Armenia.

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