


ArmInfo. As part of her working visit to Australia, the Human Rights Defender of Armenia (HRD) Anahit Manasyan participated in the 18th International Conference of Ombudsman Institutions of the Armed Forces (18ICOAF), held in Sydney on October 20-21.
According to the Human Rights Defender's Office (HRD), representatives of foreign ombudsman offices, defense oversight bodies, and international experts participated in the conference, titled "Ombudsman Institutions of the Armed Forces (AF) in a Changing Geostrategic Environment."
The purpose of the meeting was to exchange experiences, strengthen cooperation, and improve the effectiveness of independent oversight in the Armed Forces. According to the source, the agenda included issues related to protecting the rights of military personnel in a changing security environment, conditions of service, access to medical and psychological care, and ensuring the well-being of military personnel and their families. Separate discussions focused on the challenges posed by the use of artificial intelligence and new technologies in the military, the legality of orders, compliance with international humanitarian law, and the role of ombudsman institutions in ensuring accountability in the armed forces. "The conference provided an important platform for discussing ways to expand international cooperation between ombudsmen, strengthen their independence, and develop effective mechanisms for protecting rights," the Armenian Ombudsman's Office added. According to the source, the event was organized as a joint initiative of DCAF and the Office of the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force.


