The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Margaret Sekaggya, expressed concern over a number of issues upon the conclusion of her visit to Armenia.

“I note with concern the significant constraints imposed on the exercise of freedom of peaceful assembly in Armenia. While regulation by the authorities of freedom of assembly is legitimate, I have received reports of unreasonable and arbitrary restrictions being imposed by law enforcement agencies. In a democratic society, the right to hold peaceful, open and public demonstrations should be available to all individuals without undue restrictions,” the report says. 

She also expressed concern over cases of violence, assaults, intimidation, harassment and stigmatization of defenders, in particular journalists. “These cases would seem to illustrate an apparent culture of impunity in Armenia which impinges upon the work of human rights defenders. This impunity appears to be closely related to the deep-rooted problems within the police system, as well as to the shortcomings of the justice system,” she said, calling for thorough and transparent investigations of all human rights violations.

Speaking of the March 1, 2008 events, Sekaggya noted, “One example of violations which have not been duly investigated includes the tragic events and killings which took place following the 2008 Presidential elections. Investigations need to be undertaken with a view to ensuring meaningful and effective prosecution in compliance with international legal standards.”

The Special Rapporteur will present her report to the UN Human Rights Council at its sixteenth session in March 2011.