OSCE to help Armenian Ombudsman office monitor situation in the armed forces

YEREVAN, 6 October 2008 - Increasing democratic control over the country's armed forces is the aim of an agreement signed by the OSCE Office and the Armenian Human Rights Defender's Office (Ombudsman) in Yerevan today.

Under the agreement, a joint task force of experts will be set up to help the Ombudsman's Office analyze existing legislation regarding disciplinary sanctions in the army, identify gaps and examine its compliance with international standards.

"Respect for the rule of law and human rights in the armed forces is an important aspect of any country's democratic development," said Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, the Head of the OSCE Office. "Strengthening the role of the Ombudsman institution as an effective means of civilian oversight is one of the key priorities of the OSCE Office."

The group will also monitor the application of existing disciplinary sanctions in the army. Based on the findings, a report will be prepared offering recommendations to the Government.

"We believe that a professional report and recommendations to the Government regarding disciplinary sanctions in the army will increase the level of human rights protection and foster an atmosphere of tolerance. We appreciate the support of the OSCE Office in Yerevan in implementing a professional approach in this sphere," added Armen Harutyunyan, the Armenian Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman).

The OSCE Office in Yerevan has been supporting the establishment and activities of public monitors over the penitentiary institutions and police custody.