Results of the Military Unit Visits Discussed

On February 25, a working meeting was held at the office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, attended by civil society organizations and independent experts as part of the extended session of the Expert Council on the Protection of Human Rights in the Armed Forces.

The meeting summarized the results of the visits conducted by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, along with the participation of the Department of Criminal Justice and Human Rights Protection in the Armed Forces, as well as partners from the office of the Human Rights Defender of Artsakh. Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan reported that visits were made to military units, the Military Police reception and distribution department, the disciplinary isolation area, places of detention for arrested individuals, the Shushi penitentiary administration, penitentiary institutions, and the central military hospital in Stepanakert. Meetings were held with the leadership of the President and Ministry of Defense of Artsakh.

The session discussed issues raised by officers and conscripts, the state of medical services, the foundations for disciplinary sanctions, arrests, and detentions related to criminal cases, the conditions of service members in disciplinary isolation, and cases of death recorded in the army. During the discussion, the importance of maintaining strong discipline in the Armed Forces, improving the quality of military education, adhering to the principles of responsible journalism in publications related to the defense sector, among other issues, was emphasized.

Furthermore, questions related to a unified strategy for preparing draftees for military service, conducting moral and psychological work, and addressing issues present in the army were discussed. The central role of officers in the Armed Forces and the continuous elevation of their status were particularly highlighted. The Human Rights Defender emphasized the necessity of civilian oversight over the armed forces, as well as the effective cooperation with civil society organizations and the Ministry of Defense in jointly addressing sectoral problems.