Democracy, human rights, security: DeHuRiS project launched at YSU

Within the framework of the "DeHuRiS" project, a series of events are planned, including spring, summer, and winter schools, seminars, roundtable discussions, annual lectures, training sessions, conferences, and more. The purpose of the project is to support the advancement of teaching and research in European studies, promote dialogue with civil society, policymakers, and broader segments of society, create a repository for articles, didactic, and other documents, and strengthen transnational cooperation, thereby contributing to the study of democratization, human rights, and security issues. The project will involve invited lecturers from both Armenian and regional, as well as European universities.

The opening speech of the event was delivered by the Rector of Yerevan State University, Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, who specifically stated: "It is a great honor for the Jean Monnet Centre to receive this title, which the Center for European Studies at YSU has worked diligently to achieve." 

He emphasized that the Jean Monnet grant is awarded to institutions that have achieved success in the field and have embraced European values and approaches.

"The YSU Center for European Studies successfully runs the 'Human Rights and Democracy' master's program, which features the widest range of international cooperation and includes students from various countries. In recent years, YSU has achieved significant success within the framework of the Erasmus+ program, as evidenced by numerous exchange programs for students and professors. Many of our professors have had the opportunity to teach courses at European universities, while students have had the chance to study abroad for one semester. Currently, YSU participates in seven major Erasmus+ programs, two of which we lead. This is a major accomplishment for us," said the rector, expressing hope that the center's successes will continue.  

Vladimir Martirosyan, Director of the Center for European Studies at YSU, highlighted the significance of the project and stated, "This is another significant milestone for us, related to the strengthening of European values, ideas, and approaches in Armenia in academic and professional fields. Within the framework of this project, we aim to bring European civilization, values, and good governance traditions closer to Armenian society. Being granted the status of 'Excellence' is a great honor for the Jean Monnet Centre, and over the next three years, we are ready to comprehensively and responsibly develop our academic and professional capabilities."  

Sergey Ghazinyan, an expert at the Center for European Studies, presented the center's history, activities, and implemented programs. 

"As an educational and research institution specializing in EU studies, the center's goal is to promote the Republic of Armenia–European Union cooperation through interdisciplinary research and educational programs, contributing to the protection of human rights, the democratization of Armenia's political system, and European integration," he emphasized.

According to Kristine Gevorgyan, the coordinator of the "DeHuRiS" project, this is the first time that the European Studies Center has won the project in Armenia. She added that the Jean Monnet program aims to develop European studies at universities in various countries. 

"This is a global initiative that promotes the spread and deepening of knowledge, culture, and traditions related to Europe. The program will be implemented over 36 months," she noted.  

Within the framework of the "DeHuRiS" project, strong cooperative ties will be established with academic, research, and international institutions and organizations. The project also emphasizes the importance of strengthening international cooperation, particularly on issues that require joint efforts and steps towards the internationalization of universities. The project involves lecturers from Georgia, Poland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Austria, Italy, and other countries.  

Additionally, as part of the event, a panel discussion took place on the topic "Developing Democracy, Human Rights, and Security in Armenia in the Context of Regional Turmoil." 

The event was attended by representatives from embassies accredited in Armenia, international organizations, and public organizations.