FIDH TO CONTINUE MONITORING SITUATION IN ARMENIA

idh
May 19, 2010

On the occasion of the Universal Periodic Review of Armenia, which
took place in Geneva, International Federation for Human Rights
(FIDH), its Armenian member organisation Civil Society Institute
and the Helsinki Committee of Armenia welcome the numerous important
recommendations addressed to the authorities and call on Armenia to
implement them rapidly.

"We nevertheless deeply regret that the Armenian authorities consider
more than half of the recommendations made by the delegations as being
already implemented instead of recognising certain shortcomings in
their human rights record and pledging to remedy them," noticed FIDH
president Souhayr Belhassen.

Our organisations welcome the fact that a number of countries condemned
the March 1 and 2, 2008 violence and recommended that Armenia fully
investigate the events and bring perpetrators to justice. After the
2008 presidential elections, continuous demonstrations, lasting for
nine days, were organised by the opposition in Freedom Square. On
March 1 and 2, the authorities violently dispersed the demonstration
and used unjustified force, which resulted in 10 deaths and more than
130 injuries. Our organisations regret that the Armenian delegation,
instead of demonstrating their willingness to investigate fully those
cases, merely affirmed that there was no evidence of violations
committed by the police and considered these recommendations as
already implemented.

The lack of independence of the judiciary was also criticised by a
number of States. Germany and Hungary recommended that Armenia invites
the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers.

The review of Armenia was further dominated by the issue of freedom
of expression and assembly of citizens, journalists and human
rights defenders. Many delegations expressed concerns about the
ongoing limitations to the right of peaceful assembly following
amendments to the Law on Meetings, Rallies and Demonstrations in
March 2008. Armenia was also repeatedly urged to set up transparent
criteria for broadcasting licenses. In the case of Meltex LTD and
Mesrop Movsisyan v. Armenia the European Court of Human Rights
had found a violation of Article 10 due to unlawful denial of a
broadcasting license. Police violence against journalists since the
2008 elections was further denounced.

A number of countries were also concerned about the working conditions
of human rights defenders. The US underlined that civil society
activists should be able to work normally. Norway stressed that
attacks against them should be investigated and perpetrators be
brought to justice.

Serious concerns were expressed regarding the rooted practices of
gender-based violence, particularly domestic violence against women,
their misrepresentation in decision-making processes and the lack of
specific legislation on discrimination against women. The relevance
of strong protection for women at risk of being trafficked, as well
as broad support and shelters for the victims was also emphasized.

Our organisations welcome the recommendations that were formulated and
will continue monitoring the situation and promoting genuine reforms.

However, the result of this exercise will only be achieved if the
Republic of Armenia follows the recommendations closely and makes
all necessary efforts to improve the situation on the ground.