Three recommendations of Artur Sakunts
12:56, April 16, 2013 | News | Rights of Soldiers/Recruits | Armed Forces
Not a short while ago there was quite strained and even antagonistic attitude in MoD- NGO relations.
Today during hearings on “Reinforcing interrelation of Army and the society” at National Assembly, Aravot.am inquired from Artur Sakunts, Chairman of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly if those relations were already in the past. “The fact itself that Minister of Defense publicly made a statement that “the Army is the society’s mirror” is impermissible, but it is already a great achievement. Since, if you remember it was stated that soldiers were former citizens with family related issues. Now they reject that thesis, which is a crucially important fact”, noted Artur Sakunts. In his standpoint, such a fundamental complex of parliamentary hearings is the first step which should be followed by tackling of issues identified based on the discussion results. “This is the initial step, which came with delay at the expense of human lives and distorted destinies. What does it mean when a freedom fighter writes a letter saying they demand money for his mother’s surgery? This speaks of existence of rather serious issues in the fields of social security and legal protection and we anticipate efficient measures to be undertaken”, stated our interlocutor.
By the way, during the discussion Sakunts already had concerns in regard to reservations towards monitoring groups. “We don’t mean to go and check operative plans in respect to the use of troops and arms. Respectful and disrespectful attitude towards human dignity is our target and it cannot be considered confidential in any case.”
As to efficient measures, anticipated by the human rights defender as a result of the discussion, they are as follows: “State procurement including food, medications, that is procurement not related to military armaments, tenders. Then, parliamentary monitoring as it is doesn’t exist. In some countries it is the Parliament that determines what company to buy the specific type of military weapons from. Thirdly, it is the integration of military ombudsman’s institute. I am aware that discussions in that regard are underway in State Departments and lastly, all the legal norms regulating Armed Forces- citizen relations must have law force”. In this context, Sakunts brings in the outstanding #175 order of the Defense Minister, which determines the fitness of a conscript for military service. The latter has a status of a Minister’s order, whereas, it should be stipulated by law. Sakunts thinks that such a dialogue should be ongoing and issues must be raised in order to yield solutions.
“It is the first time such a dialogue has taken place and it is utmost welcomed. Particularly, if we take into account the compositions of the participants: leading representatives from Ministry of Defense, our international partners, the most oppositional representatives from local NGOs. I am of the opinion that similar dialogues will change much and will enhance the army-society bond”, shared her standpoint with Aravot.am Margarit Yesayan, Deputy Chair of NA Standing Committee on the Protection of Human Rights.