Prominent Armenians issue statement in support of LGBT human rights (in English and Armenian)

More than two-dozen prominent Armenians in the Diaspora have signed a statement supporting equality and justice for all in Armenia. Among the signatories are poet Diana Der Hovanessian,
filmmaker Atom Egoyan, actor and producer Arsinée Khanjian, musician Serj Tankian, and photographer Scout Tufankjian. This array of Armenian artists, intellectuals and professionals felt moved to release this statement in the light of anti-gay legislation that was recently proposed in Yerevan. “This anti-gay legislation is part of a disturbing pattern of intolerance for marginalized people and opposition voices in Armenia,” said publisher Veken Gueyikian. Writer Nancy Agabian said, “People of conscience must not stand by as our LGBT cousins are targeted and demonized.” The statement represents their collective commitment to human rights and to Armenia’s nascent civil society movements.

For more background see:

Armenian Gay and Lesbian Alliance Statement Against Armenian Police Proposal http://aglany.org/2013/10/28/statement-against-armenian-police-proposal/

Amnesty Documents Widespread harassment of Armenia’s LGBT Community http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/08/22/amnesty-documents-widespread-harassment-of-armenias-lgbt-community/

Human Rights Watch Letter to Armenian President Regarding Proposed Anti-LGBT Legislation http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/10/18/letter-armenian-president-regarding-proposal-anti-lgbt-legislation

Statement

“In response to reports of draft ‘anti-propaganda’ legislation in Armenia, modeled on Russia’s recently passed and widely condemned bill, we, the undersigned members of the global Armenian community, say such attempts to codify anti-gay prejudice into law are contrary to our values. We believe in dignity, equality and the right to self-expression for all people regardless of religion, sexual orientation, gender, or race.”

Nancy Agabian
Mika Artyan
Arlene Avakian
Peter Balakian
Anthony Barsamian
David Barsamian
Eve Beglarian
Chris Bohjalian
Melissa Boyajian
Diana Der Hovanessian
Atom Egoyan
Dahlia Elsayed
Houry Geudelekian
Veken Gueyikian
Nonny Hogrogian
Aris Janigian
Nina Katchadourian
Nishan Kazazian
Arsinee Khanjian
David Kherdian
Nancy Kricorian
Micheline Aharonian Marcom
Neery Melkonian
Arthur Nersesian
Joan Aghajanian Quinn
Aram Saroyan
Serj Tankian
Scout Tufankjian
Hrag Vartanian
***
[in Armenian - below]

Սփյուռքի ավելի քան երկու տասնյակ նշանավոր հայեր միացել են Հայաստանում` բոլորի համար հավասարության և արդարության ապահովման մասին հայտարարությանը: Նրանց թվում են բանաստեղծ Դիանա Տեր-Հովանեսյանը, կինոռեժիսոր Ատոմ Էգոյանը, դերասան և պրոդյուսեր Արսինե Խանջյանը, երաժիշտ Սերժ Թանկյանը, և լուսանկարիչ Սկաուտ Թուֆանկջյանը: Հայ արտիստների, մտավորականների ու մասնագետների այս խումբը անհարժեշտ համարեցին հրապարակել այս հայտարարությունը` հաշվի առնելով նույնասեռականության դեմ օրինագիծը, որը վերջերս առաջարկվել էր Երեւանում: «Նույնասեռականության դեմ այս օրինագիծը Հայաստանում խոցելի մարդկանց և ընդդիմադիր ձայների նկատմամբ անհանդուրժողականության մտահոգիչ օրինակ է»,- ասել է հրատարակիչ Վիգեն Գվիկյանը: Գրող Նենսի Ագաբյանն ասել է. «Մտահոգ մարդիկ չպետք է անտարբեր մնան, երբ ԼԳԲՏ մեր բարեկամները թիրախավորվում և պիտակավորվում են»: Հայտարարությունը ներկայացնում է նրանց միահամուռ նվիրվածությունը մարդու իրավունքներին և Հայաստանի քաղաքացիական հասարակության ծնունդ առնող շարժումներին:

Այլ մանրամասների համար կարդացեք նաև.

ԱԳԼԱ Նյու-Յորքի հայտարարությունն ընդդեմ «քարոզչության» օրենքի ներկայացմանը http://aglany.org/2013/10/28/statement-against-armenian-police-proposal/

Ամնեսթին փաստագրել է համատարած բռնություն Հայաստանում ԼԳԲՏ անձանց նկատմամբ (անգլերեն)
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/08/22/amnesty-documents-widespread-harassment-of-armenias-lgbt-community/

Հյուման Ռայթս Վոթչի նամակը ՀՀ Նախագահին` նույնասեռականության դեմ ներկայացված օրինագծի վերաբերյալ (անգլերեն)
http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/10/18/letter-armenian-president-regarding-proposal-anti-lgbt-legislation

Հայտարարություն

Ի պատասխան Հայաստանում շրջանառված «հակաքարոզչական» օրենսդրության նախագծի` ձևավորված Ռուսաստանում վերջերս ընդունված և լայնորեն դատապարտված օրինագծի օրինակով, մենք, համընդհանուր հայկական համայնքի ներքոստորագրյալ ներկայացուցիչներս, համոզված ենք, որ նույնասեռականության դեմ նախապաշարմունքների օրենսդրորեն ամրագրման փորձերը հակասում են մեր արժեքներին: Մենք հավատում ենք, որ արժանապատվությունը, հավասարությունը և ինքնարտահայտման իրավունքը բոլորի համար են` անկախ կրոնից, սեռական կողմնորոշումից, գենդերից կամ ռասայից:

Նենսի Ագաբյան
Միկա Արթյան
Առլեն Ավագյան
Պիտեր Բալակյան
Անտոնի Բարսամյան
Դեյվիդ Բարսամյան
Եվա Բեգլարյան
Քրիս Բոհջալյան
Մելիսա Բոյաջյան
Դիանա Տեր-Հովանեսյան
Ատոմ Էգոյան
Դահիլա Էլսայեդ
Հուրի Գյուդելեքյան
Վիգեն Գվիկյան
Նոնի Հոգրոգյան
Արիս Ջանիգյան
Նինա Խաչադուրյան
Նիշան Կազազյան
Արսինե Խանջյան
Դավիդ Խերդյան
Նենսի Գրիգորյան
Միշելին Ահարոնյան Մարկոմ
Նիրի Մելքոնյան
Արթուր Ներսեսյան
Ջոան Աղաջանյան Քուին
Արամ Սարոյան
Սերժ Թանկյան
Սկաուտ Թուֆանկջյան
Հրագ Վարդանյան

*picture - via PINK Armenia

Hate movement against women's rights groups in Armenia

There have been direct threats in Armenian Facebook to attack Women's Resource Centre, target Armenian Progressive Youth group and other women and rights groups and activists as part of 'gender equality' law hysteria. [read also: How Armenia ruling regime and Putin’s Russia fooled the EU over Association Agreement]

Women's Resource Centre already applied to the Yerevan police. Such threats appear particularly on pages or by members of so called "Pan-Armenian parents committee" and "no to gender equality law" FB pages/groups.

*This man says: " we should blow up the Women's Resource Center... like Tsomak's pub (DIY)" [this was posted on a "no to gender equality law" hateful Facebook group]. For more info - see Epress.am.

On 26 August 2013, Women's Resource Center posted on their FB page:

We would like to inform everyone that the persecution of Women's Resource Center is continuing. A few weeks ago the member of Parliament, Hayk Babukhanyan, wrote a letter to the Persecutor General to investigate our activities. We would like to remind you that we sued a website, www.zaruhi.com, for writing lies about WRC, and consequently won the case. That website is a part of 'Iravunq-holding", which belongs to Mr. Babukhanyan.

Today the Women's Resource Centre issued a more comprehensive statement detailing the developments. This statement was posted on international women's rights group - AWID - website [re-posted below].
***

Persecution And Threats Towards Women’s Rights Defenders And Threat To Freedom Of Association And Expression In Armenia 

Source: Women’s Resource Center 28/08/2013

Following the adoption of the law number 57 on “Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities for Men and Women” by the Armenian Parliament in May 2013, a heated debate started around the concept of “gender” and “equality”.

Extremist groups started disseminating misinformation on social networks sites, targeting women’s non-governmental organizations and women’s rights defenders in Armenia. In order to spread hate and fear in society, these groups are manipulating the wording of the law and associating “gender equality” with homosexuality propaganda and pedophilia. Women’s rights defenders are called “traitors of the nation”, “destroyers of families” and a “threat to Armenian values” and promoters of sexual abuse towards children and minors.

Almost anyone daring to speak about “gender” issues or women’s rights is being mocked and ridiculed online and broadcast media. Their photos are being circulated so people will identify them and attack them. Some of our members who have been targeted are afraid for their lives and security and taking extreme measures to stay safe.

In the face of this hysteria, Parliament members who adopted almost unanimously the law on gender equality is remaining silent and no concrete steps are taken by the government to protect and support the women’s rights defenders and those working on gender equality.

Following these violent movements, on several sites, there have been concrete threats and calls to violence towards our organization (WRCA), such as “ blow up the Women’s Resource Center, and Burn the women’s human rights defenders for raising gender issues and challenging gender stereotypes in society”. Our organization’s chairperson presented complaints to the Republic of Armenia Police and evidences of such threats of terrorism against the Center, but no specific actions have been taken so far.

Some members of Parliament, like opposition party Prosperous Armenia, Deputy Ms Naira Zohrabyan (European Integration Committee Chair) influenced by the reaction of a group of extremists immediately took a defensive position and suggested changing the law on gender equality. Another member of parliament from the ruling party, Mr Babukhanyan, presented an official complaint against the Women’s Resource Center and its defenders to the RA Prosecutor’s General’s office to investigate the organization’s activities, accusing its members of promoting sexual deviation and homosexuality among under-aged girls. Although all these allegations are not founded, it is creating black PR to the organization, increasing hate towards them in society and threatening their freedom of assembly. This is not the first time that the Women’s Resource Center has been targeted by the Deputy Babukhanyan. On several occasions, during parliamentary hearings, Mr Babukhanyan, stated publicly “that organizations like the Women’s Resource Center are destroying Armenian Families by working on domestic violence issues and they need to be shut down.” In 2012, in one of the online magazines he owns, an article was published stating the same message about the organization. Following which, the Women’s Resource Center took this magazine to court for defamation and won the case. He tried to review the case on different levels but the decision of the court remained the same and now his magazine needs to publish an official apology for spreading misinformation about our work. We believe that these attacks are direct consequence of that court case. His journalists continue harassing us during public actions and circulating misinformation about our work.

Our concern is that these extremist movements who are very pro-Russian (mainly publishing articles in Russian language and providing evidences from Russian sources) are also part of the present geopolitical situation in Armenia. Our concern is that these actions are part of the struggle between the Association agreement with the EU on one side and the unity with Russia on the other.

WRCA appeals to you to pressure our government to take concrete steps to defend the rights of women’s rights defenders in Armenia and initiate actions to stop the hate war and persecution of women’s organizations working on gender equality and violence against women. We urge you as well to raise the issue among our governmental officials to ensure the safety of the women’s rights defenders and their rights to freedom of expression and assembly.

The Women’s Resource Center is a grassroots organization working in Armenia since 2003 on empowering women. Our main mission is to counter gender discrimination in Armenia and provide psychological and legal support to survivors of gender-based violence and sexual abuse. The Center has been also lobbying for amendments to the criminal law regarding sexual violence and more specifically toughening the sexual abuse articles against minors, which is very lenient in the law.

Important message from Eurovision to Baku: Azerbaijan must guarantee freedom of expression and sufficient visa entry [incl. for Armenians]

“In line with standard requirements that have to be fulfilled to host the Eurovision Song Contest, the government of Azerbaijan has been requested by the EBU to provide guarantees about security during the event, as well as freedom of expression, according to Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and in line with the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, to all participants, fans, accredited journalists and the individual citizens of the country that access official Eurovision Song Contest premises. The EBU also requested that all accredited individuals and ticket holders shall receive sufficient entrance visa for the required duration. Such guarantees are expected to be given in the weeks to come.” - reads statement published on official Eurovision website.

As Escdaily rightly pointed out, “such words are more than likely to refer to the question of Armenia’s participation, VISA entry requirements, and questions about press freedom in the would-be host country.”

[...]

More on Unzipped: Gay Armenia

Way to go, EU! Way to go, Armenia! At last - "positive developments"

So glad to see that the EU is becoming more directly and actively involved in Armenia affairs. Being a Europhile myself, I do believe that this - and Armenia's European direction - will ensure that Armenia is moving forward, for real. This is exactly what I want to see, and hope for.
***
EU statement on recent developments in Armenia

The EU takes note of recent positive political developments in Armenia. The EU has on a number of occasions raised concerns about freedom of assembly in the country. We therefore welcome the fact that, for the first time in many years, the political opposition was granted permission to hold a rally in Liberty Square on 28 April. We hope that future requests to hold rallies will be handled in the same way. This rally passed off in an orderly manner due, it seems, to the effective co- operation between law enforcement bodies and opposition groups. With Armenia due to begin a new cycle of elections in 2012, we attach particular importance to the respect for freedom of assembly.

The EU also welcomes President Sargsyan’s statement of 20 April in which he called for a more meticulous investigation into the violent events of March 2008. In that same context, we welcome the fact that in recent weeks three opposition activists, Harutyun Urutyan, Roman Mnatsakanyan and Aram Bareghamyan, sentenced and imprisoned in the aftermath of those events, have been released on parole. We call on the Armenian authorities to release all the activists that remain in detention soon. The EU believes that a thorough investigation of the violent events of March 2008 and the release of all those in custody in relation to those events will help Armenia to truly move on.

Finally the EU would like to reiterate once again the importance it attaches to intensified relations with Armenia and invites the Armenian government to make full use of the opportunities provided by the Eastern Partnership and the European Neighbourhood Policy.

EUROPEAN UNION
OSCE Permanent Council Nr 861
Vienna, 12 May 2011
www.delvie.ec.europa.eu
***
Related:

RFE/RL - EU Hails ‘Positive Developments’ In Armenia

The Armenian Observer Blog - EU welcomes recent developments in Armenia

Armenia and Georgia, among 85 countries, signed major UN gay rights statement

For details and commentary, see Unzipped: Gay Armenia

Armenia and Georgia, among 85 countries, signed major UN gay rights statement

Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival demands release of renown Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi

*Yerevan, 2007 (pictures - via Golden Apricot International Film Festival Facebook page)

Yerevan's most famous GOLDEN APRICOT International Film Festival has signed the petition demanding Jafar Panahi's freedom more than a month ago, on 12 April 2010. This became known couple of days ago, when festival's press office released the statement via their official Facebook group in response to queries re festival's stance towards the imprisonment of renown Iranian director. In addition, festival's press office informs that in 2007, "when Panahi was one of the honorary guests of GOLDEN APRICOT, festival administration had numerous difficulties to deal with the Iranian embassy in Armenia and finally had to break the relationships with them."

Below is a statement in full.


To Whom It May Concern,

The entire staff of GOLDEN APRICOT IFF, being convinced that imprisonment of Jafar Panahi, the humanitarian interpreter of Iranian cinema, is unfair; joins this initiative (the information of which reached us through Ludmila Cvikova - IFFR programmer, film-critic Shahla Nahid, and other Golden Apricot-friendly circles), and signs this petition demanding his and his colleagues release from the prison.

Armenian spectators had a chance to explore the problems of women in the present Iranian reality in 2007, when Jafar Panahi's film "Offside" was shown within the framework of the 4th GOLDEN APRICOT IFF. Jafar Panahi deserves the right to be heard and must be given the freedom to create.

GOLDEN APRICOT International Film Festival
www.gaiff.am
***
Related:

Jafar Panahi's message from prison

Juliette Binoche sobs at news of hunger strike

Cannes contender Abbas Kiarostami demands release of Iranian film-maker

Armenia: ‘A+’ for signatures, ‘Fail’ for practice

Below is a timeline of truly historic and groundbreaking international agreements which Armenia became part of over the course of past two years.

- 31 March 2010 Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, representing the national governments of its all 47 Member States, including Armenia, adopted historic Recommendations on measures to combat discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.

- 30 September 2009 Armenia aligns with the EU human rights / gay rights statement.

- 15 May 2009 Armenia joins EU statement condemning homophobia.

- 19 December 2008 Armenia signed a groundbreaking UN statement against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Armenian authorities signed the UN statement, they aligned with the EU statements, they agreed with the adoption of the Council of Europe recommendations. Yes, this sounds great. Any government could be proud of such a record. I sincerely want to commend them for that.

However, great as this may sound, it’s all on paper. The reality is far from idillic. Here is merely part of that sad and shameful reality: the latest report by EurasiaNet

ARMENIA: GAYS LIVE WITH THREATS OF VIOLENCE, ABUSE

A sad and shameful reality for a country that seeks one day to become part of the EU. A damning one for Armenia's international reputation.

If you do not act upon your signatures, if you do not act upon the recommendations and human rights obligations you yourself are making, then your signatures do not worth a penny.

Until such a mentality has changed, our dream of a better future within the European family of nations, where I believe Armenia belongs, will remain a dream.

*See also:

All 47 Council of Europe countries, including Armenia, unanimously agreed on historic human rights recommendations for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people

and

Armenia: gays live with threats of violence, abuse (EurasiaNet report)

Armenia - Turkey: a breakthrough?

Intrigue of The Day

Here we are. Could be a sign of a breakthrough in Armenia-Turkey relations. All the main international and local news agencies now report re breaking news on protocols signed by foreign ministries of Armenia and Turkey on establishing diplomatic relations, opening the border, and general normalisation of relations between countries.

In 6 weeks, just in time for a football match (talking about 2nd round of ‘football diplomacy‘) between Turkey and Armenia, political consultations should end and the protocols sent to the parliaments for ratification.

I now read the original protocols in full. Of course, I anticipate that one of the main problems will be the so called 'historical sub-commission'. I personally do not mind joint commission to investigate archives as long as it does not aim to define whether the genocide happened or not. In the protocol, the language is very diplomatic without any clear specifications.

On the other hand, I am glad that there is no (officially stated and signed) connection of Armenia-Turkey with other conflicts' settlement, namely Karabakh. This is a positive sign. Of course, we do not know what is going on backstage, which could lead to other breaking news to come.

South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders condemns detention, beatings and denial of timely medical assistance to Azerbaijan youth activists

By the South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders
July 17, 2009, Bazaleti, Georgia

Arbitrary Detention, Beating and Denial of Timely Medical Assistance to Azerbaijani Youth Activists

The South Caucasus Network for Human Rights Defenders condemns arbitrary detention, beatings and denial of timely medical assistance to Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli (Abdullayev).

Adnan Hajizade is the coordinator of OL! Youth Movement and well-known video-blogger, Emin Milli is the chairman of Alumni Network (AN) Youth Organisation and leader of ANTV Online TV, in Baku on July 8, 2009.

According to the information received by the Network, at around 8 pm on July 8, 2009, two athletic type young men severely assaulted Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli, while they were sitting in a Baku restaurant, asking them “Why do you criticize the government?”

When they went to the police station to complain about the assaults, the police of the Sabail District denied medical assistance to Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli and detained them under charges of hooliganism (Article 221.2.1 of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code). Both were denied access to the lawyers of their own choice until the following day. On July 10, 2009 the Sabail District Court ordered the activists to be detained for two months in pre-trial detention.

The detention of Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli seems to be exclusively motivated by a wish to sanction them because of their recent activities.

The South Caucasus Network for Human Rights Defenders wants to remind Azerbaijani authorities that no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention as guaranteed by the Azerbaijani Constitution the European Convention on Human Rights.

The 30 NGOs within the South Caucasus Network for Human Rights Defenders [Unzipped: list of NGOs is available here] urge the Azerbaijani authorities to

Immediately release Adnan Hajizade, and Emin Milli in the absence of valid legal charges that are consistent with international law and standards, or, if such charges exist, bring them before an impartial, independent, competent and fair tribunal and guarantee their procedural rights at all times;

Carry out a prompt, effective, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the events, the result of which must be made public, in order to bring those responsible before a competent, impartial tribunal

Guarantee physical and psychological integrity of Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli (Abdullayev) as required by the international human rights obligations which are binding on Azerbaijan.

Ensure that both are examined by independent doctors and receive adequate medical care.


Letter sent to:

Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 19 Istiqlaliyyat St., Baku AZ1066, Azerbaijan, Fax: +994 12 492 06 25, +994 412 92 28 68, E-mail: office@apparat.gov.az; president@gov.az; root@lider.baku.az

Prosecutor´s Office of the Azerbaijani Republic, 7 Nigar Rafibeyli St., Baku, Azerbaijan, Fax: +994 12 492 06 82, +994 (12) 492 26 63, E-mail: prosec@azeri.com

Minister of Internal Affairs of the Azerbaijani Republic, Lt.-Gen. Ramil Usubov, Baku, Azerbaijan, Fax: + 994 (12) 492 45 90

Ministry of National Security Center of Public Relations, Baku, Parliament Avenue, 2, Tel: 493-76-22 Fax: +994 493-76-22, E-mail: cpr@mns.gov.az

Minister of Justice in Azerbaijan, Prospekt Stroitelej, 1 Baku Azerbaijan, E-mail: contact@justice.gov.az, Tel: + 994 (12) 430 01 16, Fax: + 994 (12) 430 09 81

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Elmar Mammedyarov, 4, S. Qurbanov Str., Baku AZ 1009, Azerbaijan Tel: +994 (12) 596 90 00, Fax: +994 (12) 498 84 80, E-mail: secretariat@mfa.gov.az ; katiblik@mfa.gov.az

Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan, Rue de Lausanne 67, CH-1202, Genève, Suisse, e-mail: az.mission.unog@iprolink.ch, fax: +4122 901 18 44

Azerbaijani Embassy in Brussels, Avenue Moliere, 464, 1050 Brussels, Belgium, Tel: +32 2 345 26 60, Fax: +32 2 345 91 85

Ombudsman of Azerbaijan Ms Elmira Suleimanova


Copies sent to:

Delegation of the European Commission to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan
Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Council of Europe
UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders
The OSCE/ODIHR, Human Rights Focal Point, Warsaw
Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
Norwegian Embassy in Azerbaijan
Swedish Embassy in Georgia
French Embassy in Azerbaijan
US Embassy in Azerbaijan

South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders condemns the murder of Natalia Estemirova in Russia

By the South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders
July 17, 2009, Bazaleti, Georgia

Statement Condemning the Murder of Natalia Estemirova, a Prominent Journalist and a Human Rights Defender

The South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders strongly condemns the murder of the prominent human rights defender Natalia Estemirova. On the international day of justice, July 17, we call upon the Russian authorities to conduct an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation of this case and previous murders of human rights defenders in the country. We also call upon the Russian authorities to further ensure a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders in their country.

On July 15, 2009 Natalia Estemirova was abducted by four men near her home in Grozny, the capital of Chechen Republic. Hours later, Russian officials announced that her body had been found in Ingushetia with gunshot wounds in the head and chest.

Natalia Estemirova, from the Russian human rights organization "Memorial", was one of the leading human rights defenders in the Northern Caucasus. She played a crucial role in exposing abuses committed by Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov's militia and Russian forces in Chechnya. Natalia Estemirova’s work in defence of human rights has been acknowledged with international awards. She was the first receiver of Anna Politkovskaya Award (2007), winner of the Prize of the Swedish Parliament "Right to Existence" (2004) and European Parliament’s Robert Schumann Medal (2005).

Recently Estemirova was involved in investigating crimes of torture, executions and disappearances of people in the Chechen Republic. Authorities of the Chechen Republic have often expressed their discontent with her work.

The murder of Estemirova is not the first case of killing a human rights defender in Russia. On October 7, 2006 the prominent journalist Anna Politkovskaya was murdered in Moscow and on January 19, 2009 the human rights lawyer Stanislav Markelov and the journalist Anastasia Baburova were murdered in Moscow. None of these cases have been thoroughly and impartially investigated by the authorities.

Ongoing impunity for the killings of human rights defenders and the murder of Natalia Estemirova is a pressing reminder to all of us that lives and physical security of human rights defenders are still in danger in many parts of the world, including the Caucasus. This climate of impunity undermines protection and respect for human rights and freedoms of each and every individual and is unacceptable.

South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders calls upon the Russian authorities to:

conduct immediate, thorough and impartial investigation on the case of murder of Natalia Estemirova and in this respect investigate the responsibility of the President of Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov

conduct thorough and impartial investigations in murders of Anna Politkovskaya, Stanislav Markelov and Anastasia Baburova and bring those responsible to justice.

abide by human rights obligations enshrined in the Constitution of the Russian and international human rights instruments which Russia has committed to uphold

ensure safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders in the country as stated in the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders

South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders calls upon international actors to:

condemn the murder of Natalia Estemirova and urge Russian authorities to conduct the immediate, thorough and impartial investigation of the case

call upon Russian authorities to ensure safety and security of human rights defenders in the Russian Federation.

Signed by the members of the Network:

Azerbaijan
Institute for Reporters´ Freedom and Safety
Human Rights Center
International Student Cooperation,
Public Association for Assistance for Free Economy
Association for the Protection of Women’s Rights in Azerbaijan after D. Aliyeva
Democracy and HR Resource Centre Public Union (Sungait),
Legal Education Society,
Society for Humanitarian Research
Institute for Peace and Democracy
Media Rights Institute
Election Monitoring and Education Center

Georgia
Human Rights Center (HRIDC)
Center for the protection the constitutional rights
Anti-violence Network of Georgia (AVNG)
Former Political Prisoners for Human Rights
Article 42 of the Constitutions
Multinational Georgia
Georgian Center for Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation of Torture Victims
Studio Reporter
Caucasian Center for Conflict and Human Rights
Inclusive

Armenia
Armenian Helsinki Association
Helsinki Assembly, Vanadzor
Socioscope
Democracy Today
Armenian Helsinki Assembly, Yerevan
Jurists against Torture
Women´s Resource Center Armenia
Vernatun- Political Prisoners' Wives
Asparez, Journalist Club, Gyumri region
Public Information and Need of Knowledge (PINK)

Group of Armenian bloggers fighting a scapegoat re Karabakh

A statement was published by a group of Armenian bloggers. They demand a resignation of Armenian Foreign Minister Nalbandyan following a disclosure of the main principles (nothing new really) of Karabakh settlement currently on table.

Do they actually think that it’s a Minister of Foreign Affairs who formulate and lead Armenian foreign policy? Of course, they do not. No need to re-state that Armenian foreign policy is being directed by a president. FM Nalbandyan is simply an employee who is conducting work based on instructions and approvals by his boss. It’s just plain easy and does not require courage to target consequences but not the roots. It’s much more convenient to find a scapegoat and fight him.

In order to formulate my opinion re Serj Sargsyan’s Karabakh policy, I need more details about how exactly this plan will be implemented. My approval or disapproval of the plan will depend on two fundamental principles which I believe should be fixed unambiguous in any Karabakh related peace deal:
- Security guarantees for Karabakh and Armenia;
- Karabakh independence

I will leave to our military and security experts to judge whether - under any peace deal - such guarantees are included and ensured. As to the status of Karabakh (independence), I can judge it myself. However, I will need details on how exactly the disclosed principles will be implemented to understand whether they may result in Karabakh independence or not. I have my big doubts about it.

I also disagree with the opposition Armenian National Congress statement and stance re Karabakh. While they were right stating at the beginning that to formulate a final opinion more details are needed, their subsequent outright rejection of it and talks of treachery etc are not productive. In fact, Serj Sargsyan’s policy regarding Karabakh (and Turkey) is effectively a continuation of Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s policy. Will the opposition pursue anything substantially different if they come to power? I do not think so.

Armenian journalists protest detention of bloggers and journalists in Iran

Group of Armenian journalists and photographers issued a statement protesting recent arrests and detention of their colleagues and bloggers in Iran, following disputed presidential election and post-election protests in Tehran.
***

Statement

*for Armenian version, see comments section below

Taking as a basis the “Reporters Sans Frontieres” humanitarian organization official website report per June 25 (http://www.rsf.org/Confessions-arrests-and-a-campaign.html), we would like to express our deepest concerns regarding the recent events in post-election Iran.

The arrests and detainments of Iranian mass media and cyber-space bloggers have launched on June 14; they are still being continued.

By acting apart from mass media companies which we are currently working for and by not politicizing our statement we are hereby taking the floor to express our protest against any action aimed at the oppression of Freedom of Speech; we are also calling for securing the Right to Freedom of Speech and other Fundamental Human Freedoms.

We, the Undersigned Armenian journalists and photographers are deeply worried about the fate of dozens of our colleagues and comrades in Iran.

We wish strength and patience to the families of arrested journalists, bloggers and photographers, who have no information about their relatives’ state. We hope for our colleagues to be freed at earliest possible convenience and to be able to continue their activity freely and objectively.

We are also concerned about hundreds of detained intellectuals and civilians in Iran.

Taguhi Torosyan
Karin Grigoryan
Seda Papoyan
Anahit Hayrapetyan
Sara Khojoyan
Sona Grigoryan
Nazeli Ohanyan
Vaghinak Ghazaryan
Anahit Minasyan
Ofelia Zakaryan
Nazik Armenakyan
Lusine Petrosyan
Nvard Manvelyan
Gayane Gevorgyan
Haykaram Nahapetyan
Lousine Musayelyan
Shushan Harutyunyan
Inna Mkhitaryan
Anjela Harutyunyan

Just do it, Mr. President

"1 March was everyone's defeat". "We should start with the new page." This is from Armenia president statement re 28 May national holiday First Republic Day.

Yes, it was a defeat. Yes, we need a new page. You know what to do, Mr. President. For the start - free political prisoners, ensure free elections. Just do it.

Armenia and Georgia join EU statement condemning homophobia

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union
on the International Day against Homophobia on 17 May

Brussels, 15 May 2009

In the context of the International Day Against Homophobia, the Presidency of the Council on behalf of the European Union reaffirms the principle of non-discrimination which requires that human rights apply equally to every human being regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

The European Union rejects and condemns any manifestation of homophobia as this phenomenon is a blatant violation of human dignity. It considers that discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity is incompatible with the basic principles on which the EU is founded, and it is and will remain committed to the prevention and eradication of discrimination based on the six grounds mentioned in Article 13 of the EC Treaty, which include sexual orientation.

We are deeply concerned by violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms based on sexual orientation or gender identity wherever they occur, in particular the use of death penalty on this ground, the practice of torture or other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, arbitrary arrest or detention, denying the right to peaceful assembly and deprivation of economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to health.

We urge the States to take all necessary measures to ensure that sexual orientation and gender identity may under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties and that such human rights violations are investigated and perpetrators held accountable and brought to justice.

The European Union welcomes the ever increasing support to these principles in the world and recalls in this context that 67 States from different regions condemned violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the General Assembly Statement on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity of 18 December 2008.

The Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, Armenia and Georgia align themselves with this declaration.

European Union

*Thanks to Gay Caucasus for the link.

US formally endorses UN gay rights statement

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is formally endorsing a U.N. declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality, a measure former President George W. Bush had refused to sign.

[Unzipped: endorsed by Armenia too]

The move was the administration's latest step in reversing Bush-era decisions that have been heavily criticized by human rights and other groups. The United States was the only western nation not to sign onto the declaration when it came up at the U.N. General Assembly in December.

The Associated Press reported on Tuesday that the administration would endorse the declaration.

AFP: Washington will join 66 countries, including all the members of European Union, in backing the measure put forth by France in December, State Department spokesman Robert Wood said.

"The United States supports the UN's statements on human rights, sexual orientation, and gender identity, Wood told reporters.

"The United States is an outspoken defender of human rights and critic of human rights abuses around the world," Wood told reporters.

"As such, we join with other supporters of this statement, and we will continue to remind countries of the importance of respecting the human rights of all people in all appropriate international fora," he added.

Hate, Lies & Ignorance – well known Armenian environmentalist Karine Danielyan attacks government for signing UN gay rights statement

'It’s a threat to national security! It’s a disease!' – says formerly respected Armenian environmentalist, head of the association “For Sustainable Human Development” NGO Karine Danielyan.

'It’s a matter of fighting discrimination and inequality' – says Dzyunik Aghajanyan, chief of international department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs . My respects to Dzyunik Aghajanyan.

For all details and much more – see Unzipped: Gay Armenia

*source of photo: Hraparak

History in making: 66 countries, including Armenia, signed a joint UN statement against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

18 December 2008

Sixty-six countries signed a joint statement in support of LGBT human rights, which was tabled at the United Nations General Assembly today.

Armenia was the first country in the South Caucasus and broader region to endorse the statement. In a welcome move, Georgia then joined in too. Russia, Turkey and Azerbaijan did not endorse it.

For details - see Unzipped: Gay Armenia

Armenia endorses historic UN statement against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

*For more details - see Unzipped: Gay Armenia

Armenia was the last country in the South Caucasus to decriminalise gay male sex towards the very end of 2002. It now became the first country not only in the South Caucasus but in a broader region to sign up for the proposed French-sponsored and EU-backed UN statement against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

There are many current problems in Armenia with regards to human rights. In short, respect for human rights is in pretty poor and vulnerable state. However... praise when praise is due.

I do commend Armenian authorities for endorsing the UN statement. This is pretty unprecedented and historic occasion.

At last, Armenia became part of the world headlines for the very RIGHT reasons. Let’s hope this trend will continue, and we will witness changes not only on the level of international declarations but also local level implementations.

The presentation of the declaration is now expected to take place at the UN General Assembly between 15 and 20 December - not on 10 December as previously reported.

The list of supporting countries is growing but still well short of a majority [although it does not require voting].

It will be tabled by France with the backing of all 27 member states of the EU; plus non-EU European nations including Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Ukraine, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine, Armenia and Macedonia. Russia and Turkey are not signing.

The call for the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships also has the support of the Latin American states of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico and Uruguay but not, notably, Columbia, Guyana or Venezuela.

Only three African nations – Gabon, Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau – are endorsing the declaration so far. South Africa has not signed up. No Caribbean nation has offered its support, not even Cuba.

Although New Zealand is committed to the declaration, Australia is not. Nor is the US. But Canada is a sponsor.

No country in the Middle East, apart from Israel, endorses the declaration, and in Asia only Japan has agreed to approve it. China and India are silent on where they stand.

I just received welcome news that Australia endorses the statement. Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey did not endorse it, as of now.

Russian gay right activists sent a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs calling Russia to join the UN declaration. The letter to minister Sergei Lavrov says that “we would like to pay attention to the fact that natural allies of Russia, including Orthodox states such as Armenia and Serbia, but also Venezuela have already agreed to sign the declaration. As of today, more than 50 countries agreed to sign it”.

This is the first time that Armenia is brought as an example for championing gay rights on international level. For now, I feel proud that my country aligned itself with the more progressive segments of international community. I will feel even more proud if everything written in that declaration gets implemented too. It will take time, efforts. As friend of mine (internationally based Armenian gay rights activist) said to me today, “positive steps on an international level but the national level advocacy is lagging behind in Armenia”.

Veteran British gay rights activist Peter Tatchell calls this a “watershed for gay rights”: “It will be the first time in its history that the UN General Assembly has had before it a declaration in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) human rights.”

***
The statement deals with human rights abuses, directed against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, including violence, criminal sanctions, torture, threats against human rights defenders and discrimination in accessing economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to health.

UN STATEMENT
*source

We have the honour to make this statement on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity on behalf of [...]

1 - We reaffirm the principle of universality of human rights, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights whose 60th anniversary is celebrated this year, Article 1 of which proclaims that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”;

2 - We reaffirm that everyone is entitled to the enjoyment of human rights without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, as set out in Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 2 of the International Covenants on Civil and Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as well as in article 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

3 - We reaffirm the principle of non-discrimination which requires that human rights apply equally to every human being regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity;

4 - We are deeply concerned by violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms based on sexual orientation or gender identity;

5 - We are also disturbed that violence, harassment, discrimination, exclusion, stigmatisation and prejudice are directed against persons in all countries in the world because of sexual orientation or gender identity, and that these practices undermine the integrity and dignity of those subjected to these abuses;

6 - We condemn the human rights violations based on sexual orientation or gender identity wherever they occur, in particular the use of the death penalty on this ground, extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, the practice of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, arbitrary arrest or detention and deprivation of economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to health;

7 - We recall the statement in 2006 before the Human Rights Council by fifty four countries requesting the President of the Council to provide an opportunity, at an appropriate future session of the Council, for discussing these violations;

8 - We commend the attention paid to these issues by special procedures of the Human Rights Council and treaty bodies and encourage them to continue to integrate consideration of human rights violations based on sexual orientation or gender identity within their relevant mandates;

9 - We welcome the adoption of Resolution AG/RES. 2435 (XXXVIII-O/08) on “Human Rights, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity” by the General Assembly of the Organization of American States during its 38th session in 3 June 2008;

10 - We call upon all States and relevant international human rights mechanisms to commit to promote and protect human rights of all persons, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity;

11 - We urge States to take all the necessary measures, in particular legislative or administrative, to ensure that sexual orientation or gender identity may under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties, in particular executions, arrests or detention.

12 - We urge States to ensure that human rights violations based on sexual orientation or gender identity are investigated and perpetrators held accountable and brought to justice;

13 - We urge States to ensure adequate protection of human rights defenders, and remove obstacles which prevent them from carrying out their work on issues of human rights and sexual orientation and gender identity.