ARMENIAN HELSINKI GROUP (AHG)

The ARMENIAN HELSINKI GROUP  (AHG) was the first human rights organization in Armenia.  Its creation was announced on 1 April 1977. It was founded by Edward Harutiunyan, Robert Nazaryan and Samuel Osyan, and later joined by Shahen Harutiunyan and Hambardzum Khlghatyan. The Group’s declaration states that as well as monitoring the observance of the Helsinki Accords, they intend to seek the Republic’s acceptance as a member of the United Nations and the unification with Armenia of Nagorny Karabakh and Nakhichevani. In December 1977 two members of the Group were arrested and its activity ceased.