Studies and research conducted in Armenia in recent years have consistently identified human rights abuses, including numerous cases of violation of the rights of persons and organizations carrying out human rights activities. Despite the significant changes in Armenia in April 2018, the issue of ensuring the rights of human rights defenders remains relevant at both the legislative and law enforcement level.
Since 2018, human rights defenders in Armenia have repeatedly faced negative public reaction, various insults and threats have been made against them, and false information has been circulated. As a result of political developments, human rights defenders have often been at the center of various manipulations aimed at fomenting opposition to one or another political force, as a result of which various groups of society have been labeled as traitors and serving different geopolitical interests.
Some human rights activists have also been subjected to physical violence.
Applications for human rights abuses have sometimes been rejected due to legislative gaps and alleged inaction by law enforcement agencies, contributing to the formation of an atmosphere of impunity and the continuation of such offenses.
Whereas, the Republic of Armenia, having signed the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, has a primary obligation and responsibility not only to protect, support and enforce all human rights and fundamental freedoms, but also to take the necessary steps to promote the work of human rights defenders, groups and associations.
The purpose of this report is to record cases of human rights abusers in the Republic of Armenia in 2018-2019 and to study their future course, analyze the actions taken by relevant law enforcement and other competent authorities, or inaction.
Based on the identified regularities and key issues, the report made recommendations to the Government and other competent authorities.
Report is available in Armenian language.
