Article 157. Functions and Powers of the Human Rights Defender

1. The Human Rights Defender shall be an independent official who observes the maintenance of human rights and freedoms on the part of state and local self-government bodies and officials, whereas in the cases prescribed by the Law on the Human Rights Defender — also on the part of organizations; as well as contributes to the restoration of violated rights and freedoms and improvement of the normative legal acts related to human rights and freedoms.
2. The Human Rights Defender shall submit to the National Assembly an annual communication on his/her activities and state of protection of human rights and freedoms. The communication may contain recommendations regarding legislative measures or measures of other nature.
3. State and local self-government bodies and officials shall be obliged to provide the Human Rights Defender, as prescribed by law, the necessary documents, information and clarifications, as well as assist in the activities thereof.
4. Other powers of the Human Rights Defender shall be prescribed by the Law on the Human Rights Defender.

Article 158. Election of the Human Rights Defender

1. The Human Rights Defender shall be elected by the National Assembly, upon recommendation of the competent standing committee of the National Assembly, by at least three fifths of votes of the total number of Deputies, for a term of six years.
2. Everyone with higher education, complying with the requirements set forth for a Deputy and enjoying high reputation among the public may be elected as Human Rights Defender.

Article 159. Guarantees for the Activities of the Human Rights Defender

1. The right of immunity prescribed for a Deputy shall extend to the Human Rights Defender. The National Assembly shall decide on giving consent for instigating criminal prosecution against the Human Rights Defender or depriving him/her of liberty by at least three fifths of votes of the total number of Deputies.
2. The incompatibility requirements set forth for a Deputy shall extend to the Human Rights Defender.
3. The Human Rights Defender may not, during his/her term of powers, hold membership in any political party or otherwise engage in political activities. He/she must show political restraint in public speeches.
4. The State shall ensure due financing of the activities of the Human Rights Defender.
5. The powers of the Human Rights Defender shall discontinue upon expiry of the term of his/her powers, in cases of loss of citizenship of the Republic of Artsakh or acquisition of citizenship of another State, entry into force of a criminal judgment of conviction rendered against him/her, entry into force of a civil judgment on declaring him/her as incapable of working, as missing or dead, in case of his/her death or resignation.
7. Other guarantees for the activities of the Human Rights Defender shall be prescribed by the Law on the Human Rights Defender.