Armenian Authorities Have No Political Will for Reforms in Army: Statement

Jan. 28 marks the 22nd anniversary of the Armenian Army. On this occasion, Helsinki Citizen's Assembly Vanadzor office issued a statement [AM] saying it cannot remain silent on the issues in the army, which, due to their being unresolved, result in the death, deterioration of health, and trauma of military servicemen.

"Unfortunately, last year we again documented serious violations in the RA Armed Forces — incidents of violence, hazing, corruption, and death. 

"Violence continued to be concealed, and despite statements of a drop in mortality, we had 3 deaths and at least 2 cases of violence in a period of 27 days in 2014. 

"The HCA Vanadzor Office documents continuous violations during both the call [to military service] and military service. Young men who had various health issues were drafted; the preliminary investigative body did not conduct a full and objective investigation into various cases, especially those involving a death, and did not give a proper assessment; arbitrary and unpredictable legislative amendments were made; and the defense department continued to display insufficiently transparent and accountable activity. 

"Thus, we again note the ruling authorities' lack of political will, to implement radical reforms, which would be aimed at preventing human rights violations in the armed forces and shape public trust in the armed forces," reads the HCA Vanadzor office statement, in part.