Statement on the 21st Anniversary of the Armenian Army
12:46, January 28, 2013 | Announcements | Right to be free from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, Right to Life, Rights of Soldiers/Recruits | Armed Forces
Toward the approaching Presidential Elections, we are celebrating the 21st anniversary of the formation of the Armenian Army. We are meeting another anniversary with new death cases in and most serious concerns about human rights the armed forces. These concerns deepen more in the light of the absence of any will for dramatic reforms by the command of the armed forces.
While the current Commander-in-Chief intends to continue ruling for another 5 years, the cases of criminal negligence, violence, torture, intimidation and death persist in the army controlled by him. In the first 28 days of 2013, there have already been 4 non-combat deaths registered.
The Army in Reality Civil Initiative condemns the inaction and incapacity of the authorities to overcome the issues and to fundamentally transform the army. Delaying this problem is fraught with new losses and adversities.
We call upon all political powers in Armenia and upon the candidates to presidency to raise the issues in the army and to come up with recommendations and willingness for real reforms in the armed forces.
We urge media to approach candidates with questions about the army and to follow up with their feedback during the entire campaign.
The army is protected and powerful as much as the rights of each individual soldier are protected.
The Army in Reality Civil Initiative
28.01.2013