Human Rights Watch: U.S. should set benchmarks for Armenia's qualification for assistance under MCA

PanARMENIAN.Net - Giorgi Gogia, Human Rights Watch Caucasus Researcher made an address on Armenia to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission).



"Last month's events not only threw Armenia into political crisis, they constituted a serious human rights crisis. The way the Armenian government responds to this crisis will test the integrity of its democratic institutions and its commitment to international human rights standards. This is also an opportunity for the United States to constructively engage to resolve one of the worst human rights crises in the country," he said.



"Human Rights Watch has a long record of work on Armenia. We closely followed developments in the aftermath of the election. After the March 1 events Human Rights Watch staff spent three weeks in Armenia, documenting the serious human rights crisis that has emerged.



The United States Government should set clear benchmarks for Armenia's qualification for assistance under the Millennium Challenge Account. These benchmarks should include the following:



Investigate alleged excessive use of force by police on the morning of March 1, 2008 and later during the day. Ensure that such investigation is in accordance with international standards by accepting international expertise and assistance. This will ensure independence and help to restore public trust;



Stop arbitrary detentions and provide full due process rights to all detainees from the moment of their apprehension. Investigate all allegations of ill-treatment during arrests and in police custody, and release those who have been arbitrarily detained for alleged participation in unlawful demonstrations;



Lift extensive restrictions on freedom of assembly by repealing the amendments to the public assembly law; bring the amended law into line with regional and international human rights law; and follow recommendations provided by the Council of Europe's Venice Commission and the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; and



Stop harassment of the press and opposition supporters, including detentions, repeated interrogations, dismissals, and usage of tax audits as a political tool for pressure," Gogia said in his testimony.