ECOM and the NGO “New Generation” call on the UN Human Rights Committee in relation to various rights for gay and trans* people in Armenia

Armenia is reporting for the third time to the Committee on the fulfillment of its obligations to implement the Convention on Civil and Political Rights. During the previous dialogue between the HRC and the government of Armenia, final recommendations were published that contained requirements to ensure that the definition of discrimination covers all forms of discrimination established in the Covenant, to ensure the protection of minorities, and that the proper investigation and prosecution of such cases are carried out.

Earlier, the Committee stated that Armenia “should prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and provide effective protection for LGBT people”.  

ECOM and “New Generation” submitted a report, which describes the lack of  developments in recent years in relation to the promotion of anti-discrimination legislation, violations of the rights of gay and trans* people in accessing medical services, and to the difficulties faced by trans* people in Armenia in realizing their right to health.

“Unfortunately, Armenia remains one of the countries in the region that has still not approved procedures for trans* people to change their legal documents without having to undergo a sex change operation. We need to continue to carry out joint advocacy work so that trans* people in Armenia can enjoy their constitutional right to health on an equal basis”, – stated Yuri Yoursky, ECOM’s Legal Coordinator.

In the report, ECOM and “New Generation” provided a recommended list of questions to which they would like to receive answers from the government of Armenia in advance of the dialogue with the Human Rights Committee. In particular, the list mentions questions about government programs in the field of HIV prevention and their adaptation to the needs of the LGBT community, especially key populations (men who have sex with men and trans* people).

The President of the NGO “New Generation”, Sergey Gabrielyan, emphasized that: “This report is a strategically important document, both for our organization, and for Armenia as a whole, as it reflects all the problems that prevent improvements in the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups. We hope that such reports will have a significant impact on the government in terms of the use of mechanisms to eliminate barriers to protecting human rights and ensuring equality”.

The report is available here.