Armenia: Human Rights Group Provides Guidelines to Protect Servicemen

The Armenian military is experiencing a rising rate of disciplinary problems, according to a joint report released May 27 by the Armenian Ombudsman and experts from the Yerevan office of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

"In nine months in 2008 a 70 percent increase (compared with 2007) of the incidents of scuffles and bullying in military units of the RA Armed Forces was registered. Furthermore, the incidents of scuffles took place both between officers and conscripts, as well as between civilians and
conscript," the report stated. [To see the full report, click here].

The study examined human rights protections in the context of disciplinary policy in the army between January and October 2008. It also offered legal guidelines to protect against the violation of the rights of military personnel.

"The study aims to ensure that internal discipline measures are applied in a fair and transparent way," Carel Hofstra, the acting head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, said in a May 27 press release.

Ombudsman Armen Harutyunian added that: "This report highlights problems related to the disciplinary legislation and practice that often cause human rights violations in the armed forces of Armenia."