OSCE TO HELP ARMENIAN OMBUDSMAN OFFICE MONITOR SITUATION IN THE ARMED FORCES

armradio.am
06.10.2008 14:11

Increasing democratic control over the country’s armed forces is the
aim of an agreement signed by the OSCE Office and the Armenian Human
Rights Defender’s Office (Ombudsman) in Yerevan today.

Under the agreement, a joint task force of experts will be set up to
help the Ombudsman’s Office analyze existing legislation regarding
disciplinary sanctions in the army, identify gaps and examine its
compliance with international standards.

"Respect for the rule of law and human rights in the armed forces is
an important aspect of any country’s democratic development," said
Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, the Head of the OSCE Office. "Strengthening
the role of the Ombudsman institution as an effective means of civilian
oversight is one of the key priorities of the OSCE Office."

The group will also monitor the application of existing disciplinary
sanctions in the army. Based on the findings, a report will be prepared
offering recommendations to the Government.

"We believe that a professional report and recommendations to the
Government regarding disciplinary sanctions in the army will increase
the level of human rights protection and foster an atmosphere of
tolerance. We appreciate the support of the OSCE Office in Yerevan
in implementing a professional approach in this sphere,0 added the
Armenian Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) Armen Harutyunyan.

The OSCE Office in Yerevan has been supporting the establishment and
activities of public monitors over the penitentiary institutions and
police custody.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress