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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
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Civil society in Armenia appeals to UN and international community to stop violence and protect human rights12.09.2013 A number of urgent appeals by the Armenian NGOs and citizens to the international community including the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights - Ms. Navi Pillay, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association Mr. Maina Kiai, Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment Mr. Juan Mendez, Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences Ms. Rashida Manjoo, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Ms. Margaret Sekaggya, Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Chair-Rapporteur, Mr. El Hadji Malick Sow have been addressed recently on the degrading situation in the field of human rights in the country. ‘State authorities do not take necessary actions to stop the violence, and the lack of adequate response and condemnation along with continuous impunity provide an evidence of their support for the brutalities by criminals and police’, the appeal said. Since July 2013, there have been multiple peaceful actions taking place by the Armenian citizens throughout the streets of Yerevan in reaction to unlawful and controversial decisions and acts taken by various authorities. These decisions and acts included the unjustified and sudden increase of public transportation fees by the mayor of Yerevan, the construction of a multi-story building with the permission of the Yerevan municipality that blocks the sunlight of residents of the surrounding houses, the destruction of a historical-cultural monument by a tycoon - member of parliament, and the unexpected and non-transparent decision of the president of Armenia to join the Eurasian Customs Union. The NGOS called for action in the hopes to stop the violence and protect human lives in our country. Given Armenia’s special status and the standing invitation for Special Rapporteurs, they requested a visit to Yerevan in order to become better acquainted with the situation. Transparency International press release |
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