Highly Concerning and Unacceptable: Ombudsman's Response

The Human Rights Defender's statement regarding the dismantling of part of high-rise buildings located at 5/1 Paruyr Sevak Street in Yerevan is a matter of grave concern.

The Defender considers it highly concerning and unacceptable that the dismantling process poses a threat to people's lives and health, damages the environment, and apparently violates labor safety requirements. The dismantling of part of the high-rise structures at the specified address is being conducted in a manner that raises significant safety concerns.

The Ombudsman emphasizes that earlier, he had informed the competent state and local self-government bodies about the apparent contradictions between the legal acts regulating the field, the dismantling procedures, the documents underlying the demolition permit, and the proposed methods of dismantling. Additionally, he had requested that appropriate measures be taken to address the issue in compliance with human rights standards. Furthermore, a series of discussions were organized with the relevant state and local authorities at the Ombudsman’s initiative regarding this matter.

Of further concern to the Human Rights Defender is the fact that various activities related to the dismantling process have been carried out in recent months in different formats, while residents of adjacent buildings were not properly informed, leading to psychological distress and panic among them. Moreover, in certain situations, the Defender has recorded issues related to the safety of children.

The Defender emphasizes that the preliminary reports indicating that collapses occurred during the execution of the work do not in any way absolve the state and the entities carrying out the work of their obligations and responsibilities, particularly in terms of ensuring safety during the ongoing work.

This situation has led to and continues to lead to violations of several rights of individuals, including children. In order to delve into the possible violations by the actions (or inactions) of the competent state and local self-government bodies, as well as by entities and organizations involved in the dismantling process, a relevant letter will be addressed to the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Armenia.

Along with this, letters will also be sent to the appropriate supervisory bodies, demanding that they take measures within their authority. Considering that the dismantling works have not been completed, the numerous complaints from residents, and viewing the current situation as highly concerning, the Ombudsman asserts that immediate action must be taken to prevent further violations of human rights.