Fostering human rights in the armed forces in Armenia

Back Alternative service in Armenia: ways of further improving human rights situation of conscientious objectors

Anna SAHAKYAN

Modified 2 Months ago.

Alternative service in Armenia: ways of further improving human rights situation of conscientious objectors

The Council of Europe plays an important role in establishing and advancing the human rights of conscientious objectors, ensuring that its member states align their legal frameworks with international human rights standards.

Representatives from Armenian public institutions, international partners, and civil society organisations gathered in a round table discussion of the Council of Europe to exchange knowledge and expertise to strengthen the regulatory framework and practices relating to conscientious objection in Armenia.

Maxime Longangué, Head of the Council of Europe Office, highlighted that collaborative efforts from government bodies, civil society, and international organisations in safeguarding the rights of conscientious objectors in Armenia and beyond will ensure they can live according to their beliefs free from fear of persecution or discrimination. “Armenia has made significant progress in aligning its legislation with Council of Europe standards following the Bayatyan v. Armenia judgment by the European Court of Human Rights. This landmark case sent a strong message not only to Armenia but also to all member states that failing to respect the rights of conscientious objectors is inconsistent with Council of Europe legal standards.”

The Ombudsperson, Anahit Manasyan stressed that despite the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights have had significant positive impact on the human rights situation of conscientious objectors, it is still not fully compliant with international standards. Both the process of recruitment for alternative service and the very process of carrying out the service must be under tight scrutiny to exclude any human rights violations.

The Human Rights Defender's Office addressed key challenges and possible solutions regarding the human rights of conscientious objectors. The representatives of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, as well as the Ministry of Defence shared their perspective on reforms in this area. The international consultant outlined the Council of Europe standards, other international legal frameworks, and best practices from other countries. The discussion focused on ways and approaches to improve the human rights guarantees for alternative servicepersons.

In conclusion, the participants agreed on applying potential measures that would contribute to better protection of the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion in context of military service.

The discussion was organised within the framework of the Project “Fostering Human Rights in the Armed Forces in Armenia” implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023 – 2026.

YEREVAN, ARMENIA 20 DECEMBER 2024

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Start Date: 01 January 2023

Duration: 24 months

Funding: EUR 600 000

Donor: Donors contributing to the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026

Partners: Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Justice; Office of the Representative of the Republic of Armenia on International Legal Matters; Human Rights Defender’s Office; Justice Academy, Marshal A. Khanperyants Military Aviation University of the Ministry of Defence of Armenia, Military University named after V. Sargsyan of the Ministry of Defence of Armenia, Military Police, Court of Cassation.

Results of the Project: Members of the armed forces enjoy better protection of human and social rights and women’s role in the military is empowered.

As a result of the Project:
1. The framework and mechanisms to prevent and address human rights violations in the armed forces are further aligned with European human rights standards;
2. The armed forces personnel implement a human rights policy in the armed forces, in line with Council of Europe principles and recommendations, with a specific attention to matters related to social protection and health care rights of military personnel, including women and veterans.

Objectives:

The Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Justice, HRDO, judicial and law enforcement bodies engage with CoE experts in revising the relevant policies, legal and regulatory frameworks with a view to։ a) ensure prevention of human rights violations in the armed forces, and effective examination thereto, and b) to enable stronger internal systems to detect, record and prevent alleged human rights violations in the army;
Relevant services of the MoD possess the expertise to revise and/or develop internal regulatory instruments and procedures to ensure effective application of gender equality, healthcare and social guarantees into the daily life of military servicepersons;
Armed forces personnel, law-enforcement and judicial bodies, the HRDO have enhanced knowledge and skills to effectively address human rights violations in the army through application of European human rights standards in their respective functions;
Professional and operational capacities of relevant entities responsible for ensuring and promoting the enhancement of participation of women serviceperson within the military are further strengthened;
The policymakers and relevant actors in the armed forces introduce and apply a human rights-based approach in line with the CoE standards in the armed forces, military education, research and awareness raising activities.

Reference documents