Armenia is being reviewed by the Committee Against Torture (CAT) this week, on the 10th and 11th of May. The CAT, a panel of experts which monitors the implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, fulfils this task with the aid of reports submitted by the State concerned, and also by various NGOs, which provide information on the follow-up of the country’s previous review.

Live webcast from the 48th session of the Committee against Torture, organised by HRHF in cooperation with the Treaty body webcasting coalition. Webcasting live here, Thursday 10 May 2012 10h-12h and Friday 11 May 2012 15h-18h (Geneva time):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A coalition of NGOs, members and partners of the Human Rights House Network and the South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders, submitted a report to the CAT in April, responding to the list of issues defined by the CAT in Armenia’s last review.

The report identifies Armenian legislation that does not reflect the international standards set out by the Convention against Torture, and touches on the ongoing problems of sexual violence, discrimination against LGBT people, arbitrary detention, the right to a fair trial and freedom of expression. The report also finds that investigative procedures for allegations of torture and ill treatment are insufficient, a problem which is particularly prominent in the army, where people who have allegedly committed suicide bear marks of torture and ill treatment.

This NGO report, along with the five others submitted by various NGO coalitions, will assist the CAT in their review of Armenia’s committment to the Convention against Torture in the coming days.

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