On 10 December, the European Union marks Human Rights Day and acknowledges the work of human rights defenders worldwide. Respect for human rights is among the cornerstones of the European Union and is clearly seen as a precondition for democracy and the rule of law. The EU, therefore, believes that human rights protection is a major concern and responsibility for the international community. This year the European Union has dedicated a multitude of events to human rights in Armenia throughout both November and December 2011. The second EU-Armenia Civil Society Seminar on Human Rights in November touched on the focus of this year's Human Rights Day - how social media can be used to promote and underpin change. Social media has already proven its strong potential for expressing and promoting human rights, enabling everyone to become a human rights defender. In the words of High Representative of the European Union Catherine Ashton, "in 2011, thousands of people decided that the time had come to claim their rights. Social media carried their message, and allowed activists and individuals to break free from their isolation, to disseminate ideas and to denounce oppression." Another recent human rights milestone was the official EU-Armenia Human Rights Dialogue, which took place on 6 December in Yerevan. The talks focused in particular on the national framework for the protection of human rights, reform of the judiciary, elections, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly. This bilateral dialogue will now be followed by events open for a broader public: an interactive Human Rights Expo organised in collaboration with the Ombudsman's office on 10 December, as well as an EU-supported parliamentary public hearing on the draft National Strategy for Human Rights Protection on 13 December. The European Neighbourhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership which apply to Armenia are built upon a mutual commitment to common values, including human rights. Human rights are consequently an essential part of both political relations and cooperation with the EU. In terms of assistance, a substantial number of projects on human rights in Armenia are funded by the European Instrument on Democracy and Human Rights. They help civil society and other local organizations in promoting human rights. Since this year, the EU is providing assistance to the first regional Master's programme on Human Rights and Democratization for Armenia, Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus. The first class of 22 students started studies in Yerevan this September. The EU has also given significant support to the establishment and functioning of the Human Right's Defender's office in Armenia in accordance with the Paris Principles, both through Twinning, the EU Advisory Group. This support is envisaged to continue through new projects in the future, the Press and Information Department of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia informs.

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