The international human rights organization Amnesty International has published its report “The State of the World’s Human Rights 2022-2023,” which presents the results of studies concerning 156 countries.
The report on Armenia states that no progress has been recorded regarding the investigation of war crimes and other crimes committed during and immediately after the 2020 Armenian-Azerbaijani armed conflict, in accordance with international law.
In a condensed summary, the report notes the main findings regarding Armenia: law enforcement officers used excessive force during protests against the government. Freedom of expression has been restricted, with hundreds of people subjected to criminal prosecution for allegedly insulting officials. Amendments to the mining legislation have made it easier to bypass public opposition and environmental concerns. Laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation and identity remain insufficient.
Expanding on the aforementioned main points, the report’s authors continue that the security situation along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border remained tense, with frequent exchanges of fire. Azerbaijani shelling struck Armenia’s own territory, in the provinces of Syunik, Gegharkunik and Vayots Dzor, resulting in more than 200 deaths, including two civilians.
In October, Azerbaijan and Armenia reached an agreement on the short-term deployment of an EU monitoring mission along their border.
The large-scale influx of Russians into Armenia as a result of the Russo-Ukrainian war has supported economic activity, but it has also contributed to rising rental prices and, in general, the cost of living.
In March, the European Committee of Social Rights expressed concern regarding the insufficient measures taken by Armenia to improve occupational safety and health, the absence of a clearly defined policy on occupational safety and health, and the failure to guarantee social security for all workers and their dependents.
