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The series of trainings in the framework of the project “Human Rights Training for Conscripts”, which is being implemented by Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly-Vanadzor, commenced in Yerevan.

On June 9, around 30 conscripts, people of pre-conscription age and members of conscripts’ families participated in the first training at the “LOFT” self-development center.

Armine Sadikyan, Coordinator of Peacebuilding Projects of HCA Vanadzor, and advocate Syuzanna Soghomonyan presented to people of pre-conscription age the procedures for military enlistment, the rights and obligations of conscripts during conscription, the grounds for deferment of compulsory military service and exemption from compulsory military service in accordance with the established procedure and the rights of pre-conscripts, conscripts and servicemen. Armine Sadikyan explained the types of military service, the types of leaves allocated to servicemen, the procedures for their allocation, timeframes, encouragement and disciplinary penalties.

Another theme that was touched upon was the issue of the liability of citizens who did not perform compulsory military service in violation of the established procedure. Apart from that, the latest legislative changes as well as the issues and obstacles that are common practice were presented to the participants.

Advocate at the Organization Syuzanna Soghomonyan touched upon the appeal mechanisms pertaining to fitness for military service as well as the practical activity of the Organization in that field, the existing problems and measures aimed at overcoming them.

At the end of the training, the participants had the opportunity to present specific cases to the trainers. A discussion started around those cases, and certain persons were provided with legal advice. Health problems were discussed with some with the involvement of the expert doctor of the Organization.

The participants were mainly interested in the impartiality of choosing the place of performing military service by lot during the conscription and the corruption risks connected with it, the manifestations of unequal treatment when drawing lots, specific cases of deferment of compulsory military service, the structure of conscription, the issues relating to the structure of conscription committees as well as the amount of reimbursement for transportation costs given to servicemen in the case of basic leave being provided and other issues.

It should be mentioned that HCA Vanadzor has compiled an informative brochure aimed at informing RA citizens liable for conscription about their rights and obligations. This brochure was presented to the participants in the training.

The informative brochure is specifically applicable for the citizens of the RA who are of military enlistment age or of conscription age, for their parents and relatives, representatives, citizens performing military service, their parents and relatives as well as for lawyers and other people who are interested in this field of law.

It should be recalled that the series of trainings, which is aimed at raising the awareness of conscripts and servicemen and is being conducted with the financial support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), is underway. The next trainings are set to be held in Goris on June 17, 2018 and in Yeghegnadzor on June 18.

Trainings are planned to be conducted in July 2018 in Armavir, Sevan and Ashtarak as well.

Other photos are available HERE