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FIDH URGES IS CONCERNED ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION IN ARMENIA

Politics

On the occasion of the three Cooperation Councils between the European Union (EU) and Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, to be held on 13 and 14 November 2006, and which should lead to the adoption of three Action Plans with those countries, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) wishes to express various concerns about the situation of human rights in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

FIDH also wishes to make recommendations aimed at improving that situation. We hope that, within the framework of strengthened bi-lateral relations, the EU will relay those recommendations.

FIDH published recently three notes on the human rights situation in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan and stressed out the need of quick and effective reactions of the authorities in order to improve the human rights situation in those countries.

Despite the diversity of the situations in the region and the various intensity of violations, FIDH is preoccupied by worrying trends within the three countries and particularly by: the persistence of torture, ill-treatments and excessive use of force by public authorities ; the culture of impunity including for many serious human rights violations and which is a main hurdle to the promotion and protection of human rights ; the repression of human rights defenders, journalists, political opponents, and the obstacles to the right to freedom of assembly and to the freedom of the media.

Furthermore, FIDH regrets that NGOs have not been sufficiently associated by the European Commission to the preparation of the Action Plans and hopes that their views will be taken into account in the framework of the follow-up of the Action Plan. NGOs should be systematically consulted in the process of preparation of the Commission’s regular report on the Action Plans' implementation.

OVERVIEW OF MAJOR HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES IN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

The Republic of Armenia presents a contrasted picture as far as respect for Human Rights is concerned. On paper, they are pretty much a model for the South Caucasus region as they have ratified most of the European Human Rights instruments and conducted major law reforms in conformity with them.

However the following concerns are noticeable: although the country showed exceptional growth over the last years, the economic and social situation does not benefit equally to the whole population. The failed transition from a soviet communist system to a liberal economy created enormous disparity between an elite group of persons or clans, who, on the one hand, monopolised the majority of the resources, and the rest of the population on the other. Although the country witnesses the emergence of a middle-class, it is still at the very bottom of the social scale.

Furthermore, these new wealthy people, which are interrelated with the spheres of political power, have instituted private armed polices, thus subjecting the country and the citizens to tangible threats and acts of violence, be they motivated by political or economic reasons. In addition, the country witnesses a high level of institutional corruption, endemic in the whole region.

Factual anti-democratic events are perceived as a growing and threatening trend over rights and freedoms before crucial parliamentary elections in 2007 and presidential election in 2008. A population indifferent to internal politics, an ethnically homogeneous country, a strong support from the Diaspora are all factors that ease the ruling of the country but also enable abuses by the holders of power. Political and economic powers enjoy impunity.