"During the 20 years of independence the formation of civil society is one of our biggest achievements. Unlike 20 years ago, now we have people who are aware of their rights, who have demands and want to take part in the ruling of the state", Sona Aivazyan, head of Transparency International Anticorruption Center, says.

On 19^th of September, in connection with the Civil Society Day, the achievements and shortcomings of this field during the last 20 years were discussed by Armen Alaverdyan, President of Unison NGO for Support of People with Special Needs, Sona Aivazyan, President of Transparency International Anticorruption Center, Arzuman Harutyunyan, President of Audio-Visual Reporters Association NGO, Astghik Avetisyan, President of the Armenian PR Association NGO and Davit Chityan, Director of Civic Development and Partnership Foundation.

"We managed to voice our problems and rights," Armen Alaverdyan says as an achievement. "Though in the Soviet Union there was some feeling of stability, the disabled were getting a pension that was enough not to starve; as for today, the size of that pension is subject for humor and there is a lot to do in the social sphere. In any case, today we announce that we have to live the same life, have the same goals and rights and achievements as the whole country and all citizens have."

Armen Alaverdyan emphasized that in recent years building entrances, staircases and sidewalks gradually become accessible for the handicapped. Though with great difficulty, but now they can realize their right for movement; the stereotype that handicapped people cannot work has been broken. 

Astghik Avetisyan believes that especially mass media played an important role in the formation of civic society, and if years ago there was monopoly and media was supervised by one political party, today we have numerous TV companies, newspapers, magazines and internet that provide a large scope of opportunities.

"The society, unfortunately, does not realize the role of the civil society, therefore NGOs and different initiatives have become significant players," Davit Chityan says.

In Sona Aivazyan's opinion, though today NGOs are recognized by both the society and public bodies, and they are reckoned with to a certain extent, there are still some shortcomings in some spheres.

The speakers also touched upon formation of civil society in provinces noting that it is necessary to expand cooperation with NGOs, Aarhus centers and citizens-activists in provinces.

"The hand of the civil society has to be on the pulse all the time to voice the problems continuously," Astghik Avetisyan said.

Arzuman Harutyunyan found it difficult to answer the question if 20 years is enough time for the development of civil society: "Achievements could be bigger, there are still a lot of things to do," he said.    

Aghavni Yeghiazaryan
www.hra.am