Special Rapporteur Clément Voule undertook an official country visit to Armenia from 7 to 16 November 2018. The objective of the mission was to assess the situation of peaceful assembly and association rights within the country.

The findings and recommendations of the Special Rapporteur Voule were presented to the Human Rights Council during its 41st session in June 2019.

The visit took place at a crucial time for Armenia at a moment of democratic transition following the Velvet Revolution of 2018. The Special Rapporteur welcomed the State’s commitment to openly address its human rights situation during this transitory period.

The country witnessed a promising transition to a new political system involving major political reforms:

The Armenian people are reshaping their own future – one that is moving towards a more inclusive society based on the rule of law in which every individual enjoys all fundamental freedoms,” affirmed Voule.

In 2018, tens of thousands of Armenians took to the streets to protest against cronyism and corruption, and to call for a change in the country’s leadership. Their protests led to the election of Nikol Pashinyan, who upon tactical resignation on 16 October is the acting prime minister.

The Special Rapporteur urged the Government to increase its current efforts to guarantee the safeguarding of the rights covered by his mandate for all. In order to pave the road to a stronger rule of law and democratic development, he stressed the need to prioritize respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout society and to keep a broad dialogue with civil society.

With an institutionalized lack of accountability dominating the judicial system, it is essential that the new Government proceed to fundamental reforms, in particular strengthening the judiciary, the independent investigative bodies and police bodies so they can focus on ensuring that accountability is delivered in a timely fashion.

 

Read UNSR Voule’s End of Mission Statement here

 

Read the full report in all UN languages here