Launching conference of the project on “Strengthening the application of European human rights standards in the armed forces in Armenia”

Yerevan, 21 November 2016

Your Excellency, Ambassador Farnworth,

Dear Mr Minister,

Dear Mr Prosecutor General,

Dear Deputy Ombudsman,

Distinguished Ambassadors,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am delighted to welcome you today on behalf of the Council of Europe here, at the Launching event of a project that opens a new chapter in the cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and my Organisation. This project is another step on the way to harmonising the legislation and practice of Armenia with the European human rights standards – it continues the joint work that we have been doing together for more than a decade.

On one hand, the project we are going to launch today was made possible by many years of good co-operation between the Council of Europe and Armenia. CoE and Armenia’s cooperation dates back to 2001 when Armenian joined the Council.  This Project is part of the comprehensive Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia for 2015-2018.  We have enjoyed excellent cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, the Ombudsperson and other Armenian authorities in preparing this initiative.

On the other hand, I am pleased to acknowledge that the project has been also made possible by the generosity of another Council of Europe member state, the United Kingdom. The Government of the United Kingdom provides 90% of the project’s financial resources through its Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.

You all know that bringing human rights home is a commitment taken by every Council of Europe member state when joining the Organisation and the Human Rights Convention; this particular project will contribute to a better protection of human rights in the armed forces in Armenia. To achieve this aim, we will help improve the national capacity of your country to apply human rights standards and to prevent, detect and handle human rights violations in the armed forces. A special emphasis will be placed on addressing ill-treatment.

The initiative for this Project came from the Armenian side, clearly demonstrating that there is realisation of the need to incorporate the notion of human rights standards in the policy-making of the Ministry of Defence and the daily functioning of the armed forces.

There is a significant body of these standards, both in the form of the so-called hard and soft law, but implementing them in practice still remains a challenge for Armenia and many other countries in Europe.

There is much to be done, but the starting point is the acknowledgement that members of the armed forces do not give up their human rights and fundamental freedoms upon joining the armed forces, even though the special character of military duties and life might justify certain restrictions on their enjoyment.

Moreover, the respect for the human rights in the armed forces affects not only for the military personnel and conscripts, but also the civilians.  These are parents and relatives of conscripts, families of officers, civilians who live or work in the areas of operation of the military.  The beneficiary group of this project indeed covers nearly the entire population of the country.

In the last years Armenia has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the implementation of European human rights standards in general, and it has made substantial progress in reforms to honour its commitments.

I hope that the Council of Europe’s support to the Armenian institutions responsible for the implementation of the human rights standards in the armed forces and monitoring and prevention of violations of human rights of and by the uniformed citizens will translate into real and tangible positive changes in the nearest future.

This can be done only if all those involved have the will and the relevant knowledge and skills to implement human rights standards to their full extent. The Project will contribute to improving the legal framework and be complimented with capacity building, training and experience exchange.  The Council of Europe’s added value will be its strong reliance on the Human Rights standards, supported by conclusions of its monitoring mechanisms and use of its various cooperation tools.  We are also open to developing new approaches where necessary.

The Project will target not only the Ministry of Defence and the Human Rights Defender, but also prosecutors, investigators, legal professionals and certainly the civil society.

Open, transparent and constructive dialogue with the civil society is crucial to maintain. Reforms are important, but it is equally important how they are perceived by the people. The status and prestige of the armed forces in every society depends, at least in part, on whether they are regarded as “human rights friendly”.

The project has ambitious plans. I am sure we will come across many challenges when implementing it.  In the same time, I am confident that together we will achieve our objectives.  With the political will to make the change happen, already demonstrated by your authorities, and the experience and know-how of the Council of Europe, I have good basis for my confidence.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear participants, I wish us all success in this new endeavour.   With this I would like to take up my duties as the moderator and pass the word to the Minister Sargsyan.