0 8000 12 11

Tomorrow, January 28, 2014 marks the 22th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian Army. The army which is defined by the RA Constitution to ensure the security and defense of the Republic of Armenia. In spite numerous challenges, the RA servicemen, both the officers and privates, continue performing their obligations prescribed by law.

Connected with the holiday we cannot but record the issues existing in the Armed Forces, the unresolved status of which causes deaths of servicemen, aggravation of health sate and mutilations.

Unfortunately, also last year we recorded grave violation in the RA Armed Forces including violence, cases of breaches of non-statutory relations, manifestations of corruption, and death cases.

The violence cases continued to be concealed, and despite the statements regarding decline of death cases, only within 27 days in 2014 3 death cases and at least 2 violence cases occurred.

HCA Vanadzor has recorded an ongoing nature of violations both during the call-up and during military service. Young men with numerous health issues were conscripted, no full and objective investigation was carried out by the preliminary investigation body over various cases, namely, death cases, no adequate assessment was provided, arbitrary and unforeseen legislative amendments were made as well as the insufficiently transparent and accountable activities of the Defense Department  continued.

Hereby, we once again record the absence of the political will of the RA authorities to initiate radical amendments aimed to prevention of human rights violations in the Armed Forces and formation public trust towards the Armed Forces as an outcome.

HCA Vanadzor congratulates all servicemen and wishes a secure military service, the safeguard of which is respect towards the right and dignity of every serviceman.

HCA Vanadzor

January 27, 2014