The local non-governmental organizations’ coalition in Armenia has reported an increase in reports about violations of human rights in the country in 2023. These violations mainly concern women’s and children’s rights, as well as cases of discrimination and violence. The information comes from the “2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Armenia” by the United States Department of State.

According to the report, over 30 local organizations have observed a rise in violations of women’s and other individuals’ rights in recent months. These violations include instances of violence and discrimination. The organizations believe that the root cause of this violence lies in systemic inequality, and they urgently call for legislative and judicial amendments. Furthermore, reports from human rights defenders have shown an increase in violations and a worrying trend of impunity. They stress the urgent need for swift investigation and punishment of offenders.

The report highlights that during the aforementioned period, the institutions responsible for criminal justice continued to rely on physical force during interrogations. This includes the use of physical violence and coercion while questioning and investigating individuals.

The report also mentions that the judicial system, which has only been established in a few territorial units and has not been utilized by authorities in cases of violence against women, was inadequate. Human rights defenders have reported numerous incidents in Yerevan, but the situation is even worse in regional subdivisions of the law enforcement agencies.

This news article is also available in Russian.