Complaints Continue to Be Received Regarding the Summer 2023 Draft at the Office of the Human Rights Defender

The specialized division of the Human Rights Defender's Office, tasked with protecting the rights of servicemen and their families, has been monitoring the situation of citizens' rights during the 2023 summer draft on a continuous basis. This was reported by the Office of the Human Rights Defender.

During the specified period, the Office received 64 written and verbal complaints from draftees and their parents. These complaints mainly pertained to medical examinations and assessments regarding health conditions, deferments based on family circumstances, as well as other issues.

A total of 25 complaints were discussed through written procedures, with prompt responses provided for 7 of them. Additionally, the Office assisted in resolving the issues for another 32 citizens via consultation.

During the draft phase, there was daily communication maintained with the Ministry of Defense's Human Rights and Welfare Center and various divisions of conscription and military recruitment services (military commissariats), as well as medical and military medical commissions. In response to the queries raised by citizens, letters were sent to the Ministry of Defense requesting clarifications and suggestions, and discussions were held with military commissariats and competent divisions of the Ministry of Defense for prompt responses.

As a result, conscripts were provided with referrals to undergo medical examinations and were assigned repeated assessments.

The Defender visited the central assembly point of the Ministry of Defense to oversee the drafting process, and the identified issues were addressed to the competent authorities. With the intervention of the Human Rights Defender and cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, several conscripts were re-submitted to the Central Medical Commission for evaluation. Citizens were granted deferments and, due to health conditions, were exempted from mandatory military service or recognized as fit with limitations for military service, among other resolutions.

Complaints regarding the summer 2023 draft continue to be received at the office. Defender Anahit Manasyan highly appreciates the collaborative work done with the Ministry of Defense during the draft, which has resulted in the resolution of several issues or the establishment of grounds for their resolution.

It is noted that individuals can contact the Defender regarding issues related to the rights of servicemen and their family members (including conscription, training gatherings, etc.) at the emergency line 116 or 096116100, available 24/7.