Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs Issues Clarification Regarding Vardenis Home-Institution

The investigation into the recent alleged abuses at the Vardenis psychiatric home-institution continues; the case remains in the purview of law enforcement agencies and is under the daily scrutiny of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia.

The Ministry condemns any form of abuse occurring in care facilities under its jurisdiction, especially manifestations of torture, in the strongest terms.

At the same time, they note that the psychiatric home-institution, which currently provides care for approximately 450 beneficiaries, continues its normal operations, and the necessary services are being delivered to residents without interruption.

Staff members continue to fulfill their duties in accordance with the law. Some employees are also participating in protest actions against the arrests of the institution's director and colleagues, but only during their off-duty hours or non-working days, meaning they are free to allocate their time as they see fit.

The Ministry will continue to cooperate with law enforcement to thoroughly uncover the circumstances of the case.