Statement of the Public Monitoring Working Group Studying Non-Combat Fatality Cases During the Military Service in the RA Military Forces

March 20, 2019
© 2019. Photo: Peace Dialogue NGO. Author: Arthur Manukyan
© 2019. Photo: Peace Dialogue NGO. Author: Arthur Manukyan

Considering the unclear perceptions formed about the principles and objectives of the activities of Public Monitoring Working Group, we find it necessary to make a statement.

The Public Monitoring Group (hereinafter referred to as Group) was created on the initiative of the RA Investigative Committee for the purpose of studying non-combat fatality cases during the military service, revealing possible drawbacks in the course of their preliminary investigation and bringing the spotlight of the investigative body and society onto the mentioned drawbacks.

Eight (8) NGOs and one (1) foundation are involved in the Group.

Divided into several subgroups, the Group will lead a successive study on various criminal cases. The only principle underlying in the selection of the criminal cases by the group is their procedural state: studies will be conducted on suspended proceedings.

It must be highlighted that the only limitation in terms of the number of criminal cases subject to study is connected with the group’s limited human resources; however, the study of the criminal cases will be continuous to the extent the limited human resources will make it possible as long as the RA Investigative Committee grants the opportunity of collaboration in this format.

Non-governmental organizations comprising Monitoring Group:

  1. For Rights NGO
  2. Helsinki Citizen’s Assembly Vanadzor Office
  3. Sexual Assault Crisis CenterNGO
  4. “Fides” Human Rights Protection NGO
  5. Soldiers’ Defense Committee NGO
  6. Law Development and Protection Foundation
  7. Foundation against the Violation of Law NGO
  8. Peace Dialogue NGO
  9. Center for Legal Initiatives NGO