HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH: U.S. SHOULD SET BENCHMARKS FOR ARMENIA’S QUALIFICATION FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER MCA

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.04.2008 14:16 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Giorgi Gogia, Human Rights Watch Caucasus
Researcher made an address on Armenia to the Commission on Security
and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission).

"Last month’s events not only threw Armenia into political crisis,
they constituted a serious human rights crisis. The way the Armenian
government responds to this crisis will test the integrity of its
democratic institutions and its commitment to international human
rights standards. This is also an opportunity for the United States
to constructively engage to resolve one of the worst human rights
crises in the country," he said.

"Human Rights Watch has a long record of work on Armenia. We closely
followed developments in the aftermath of the election. After the
March 1 events Human Rights Watch staff spent three weeks in Armenia,
documenting the serious human rights crisis that has emerged.

The United States Government should set clear benchmarks for
Armenia’s qualification for assistance under the Millennium Challenge
Account. These benchmarks should include the following:

Investigate alleged excessive use of force by police on the
morning of March 1, 2008 and later during the day. Ensure that
such investigation is in accordance with international standards by
accepting international expertise and assistance. This will ensure
independence and help to restore public trust;

Stop arbitrary detentions and provide full due process rights to
all detainees from the moment of their apprehension. Investigate all
allegations of ill-treatment during arrests and in police custody,
and release those who have been arbitrarily detained for alleged
participation in unlawful demonstrations;

Lift extensive restrictions on freedom of assembly by repealing the
amendments to the public assembly law; bring the amended law into
line with regional and international human rights law; and follow
recommendations provided by the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission
and the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; and

Stop harassment of the press and opposition supporters, including
detentions, repeated interrogations, dismissals, and usage of tax
audits as a political tool for pressure," Gogia said in his testimony.