Speaking on the occasion of the 61st anniversary of the   Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Heritage Party MP Larisa Alaverdyan, a former Human Rights Ombudsman in Armenia, stated that today’s commemoration ushered in a new era for all humanity and obligated Armenians in particular to fight for these basic and inalienable freedoms. It was on December 10, 1948 that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. MP Alaverdyan pointed to four sectors of Armenian society where 60% of all human rights abuses are registered – in correctional facilities, police and law enforcement bodies and the judicial system. She also pointed to private property infractions in the name of “public domain” as proof that human rights violations also occur in the social and economic sectors as well. “Given that private property rights in Armenia are wholly, partially and arbitrarily violated, we cannot speak of democratic rule in our country. The true test of democracy lies with the defense of one’s right to private property,” MP Alaverdyan noted. She also pointed to the electoral process in Armenia as rife with human rights violations. MP Alaverdyan stated that since 1995. Elections in Armenia have been such that authority of the country has been usurped from its citizens. In conclusion, the former Ombudsman blamed the government, political opposition and society at large for recurring human rights violations, but not in equal measure.