In the 665-page report, its 23rd annual review of human rights practices around the globe, Human Rights Watch summarized major issues in more than 90 countries. Report on Armenia reads: “Armenia’s ruling coalition retained a parliamentary majority following the May 2012 elections amid allegations of abuse of administrative resources, and intimidation of voters, observers, and journalists. Ill-treatment in police custody persists. The government has yet to offer conscientious objectors a genuine civilian alternative to military service and has failed to effectively investigate a troubling number of non-combat deaths in the military.

Politically motivated defamation lawsuits no longer appear to be a problem, but media pluralism is lacking, and some journalists covering the May 6 parliamentary elections suffered violent attacks by onlookers, some of them members of Armenia’s ruling political party. Violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation are serious problems. Bureaucratic restrictions prevent people with terminal illnesses from accessing strong pain medications.”

 

Human rights Watch WR2013_web

On January 22, 2012 Human Rights Watch released its annual World Report summarizing human rights conditions in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide in 2011. It also reflected on Armenia, which run: “More than three years after deadly street clashes between police and opposition protesters left 10 individuals dead, there has been no meaningful accountability for the excessive use of force by law enforcement.

The government decriminalized libel, but drastically increased financial penalties in civil libel suits. Authorities continue to restrict freedom of assembly. Torture and ill-treatment in police custody persist and the government has failed to effectively investigate a troubling number of deaths in custody and non-combat deaths in the military.

Armenia’s international partners have not fully leveraged their influence to improve the human rights situation.”

 

Human rights watch WR2012