Tag: Armenia

When the right to safety is a privilege: the story of a trans* woman from Armenia

Post author By velyunsky
Post date October 3, 2024

Arevik (name changed), a trans* woman from Armenia, faced aggression and violence while in a public place in N city. While on the street at night, she was targeted by a group of young men who started threatening her using harsh words, insults, and threats. One of them stated that “this is their territory” and they would not tolerate the presence of “such a perverted spoiled animal”.

The group of guys did not stop at words: they started dragging Arevik by her arms, pushing her, thus creating a real threat to her safety. At this point, Arevik decided to call REActor, and together they called the police.

After the intervention of the law enforcement agencies, the patrolmen detained the aggressors and they were given an educational talk. The offenders were released after writing an explanatory statement.

As much as it may seem like a step towards justice, this case highlights the serious problem of discrimination and violence against trans* people in Armenia. Although the police intervened, the outcome leaves many questions, especially in the context of how seriously the country takes the protection of community rights. It also raises the issue of the lack of training of law enforcement agencies in dealing with LGBTIQ+ people and the importance of creating more inclusive and protective mechanisms.

Violation of patient’s rights: the story of an arrest in an Armenian hospital

Post author By velyunsky
Post date May 29, 2024

Yegan (name changed) wrote to the National REActor about a disturbing situation that happened to his friend. The guy went to the Republican Hospital to take tests before his nose surgery. He is from a community of people who inject drugs (PWID) and while drawing blood, the nurse noticed a blackened vein on his arm. She immediately asked if he was using drugs and the guy, trusting the health worker, answered in the affirmative.

While the blood results were still pending, the patient was sitting in the hallway. Suddenly he was approached by two police officers who, twisting his arms, took him to the station. It turned out that a nurse had called the police and informed them that a man from the PWID community was in the hospital. Yegan said his friend had been arrested and for over ten days at the time of contacting REActors, no information on his condition and whereabouts had been given to him. The case has been accepted for work.

This story highlights the serious violations of patient rights and the unacceptable disclosure of personal medical information. That a nurse felt able to call the police based on a patient’s medical information is a blatant example of ethical and confidentiality violations. Trust in medical personnel is the basis for receiving quality care, and cases like this undermine that trust.

Egan’s friend’s situation also points to the need for reform in the way people who use drugs are treated. Instead of prosecution and arrest, they should be offered medical care and support. Violation of patients’ rights and undue interference of law enforcement agencies in medical issues require attention and solution at the state level.

A test of strength: fighting for truth and justice in Armenia

Post author By velyunsky
Post date May 8, 2024

In early 2024, Sergo (name changed) met a man on Telegram (a dating group for members of the LGBTIQ community) who offered to meet him. Having decided to do so, the guy went to the meeting. Afterward, leaving the car, he left his belongings there. But even when Sergo ran after the car to stop it, the stranger continued driving.

The next morning Sergo went to the police, fearing to confess to law enforcement officials that he had met the stranger through Telegram. During interrogation, they began accusing him of not serving in the army and mocking his HIV-positive status. When the conversation about a possible cab started, Sergo was forced to tell the truth that it was a meeting after meeting on Telegram. As a result, he was intimidated, threatened with criminal prosecution for untruthful statements, and was not allowed to leave the police station. Also, the police officers checked the guy’s phone and contacted his mother and other relatives.

After seeking help from the REActor, the client was advised to contact a lawyer, who sent a warning to the office of the Human Rights Defender. With the support of this office, Sergo left the police station. Further, the lawyer contacted the police department and the pressure on Sergo stopped and a preliminary investigation of the criminal case was initiated based on his statement.

A story of harassment and humiliation in Armenia

Post author By velyunsky
Post date April 29, 2024

Earlier this year, sex worker Agasi (name changed) was walking at night in a park in his city and texting on the phone with a client they were supposed to meet there at 1 a.m. Two civilians approached him, identifying themselves as police officers. They showed him their identification cards, but Agasi insisted that they open the documents so that he could verify their authenticity. After checking, the police officers asked him if he had any prohibited items and what he was doing in the park at night.

Agasi replied that he did not have anything prohibited and explained that he was just walking as the park was close to his house. The police officers ordered him to show his pockets and bag. Agasi was very scared as he was under the influence of psychoactive substances, but fortunately, he did not have anything prohibited with him. After making sure he had nothing on him, the police ordered him to show his phone and open the last app he had used.

Agasi asked why they needed to do this, and the officers said that there were a lot of “drug addicts” in the park and that they had a suspicion that Agasi was one of them because he was wearing a hoodie and carrying a barrette bag at night in the park. Agasi showed the Telegram app where he had recently corresponded with his client. The police officers read all the messages. Agasi was embarrassed but could not do anything at that moment. The police then ordered Agasi to leave the park mockingly and told him that it was better to walk outside the city, as “people like him” gathered there.

This case vividly illustrates the forms of discrimination faced by sex workers and members of the LGBTIQ+ community. Harassment, humiliation, and unfounded suspicion by law enforcement agencies are just some of the challenges they face daily, which further emphasizes the need to protect the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of their occupation.

Finding support: Vardan’s story from Armenia

Post author By velyunsky
Post date April 8, 2024

In early January, one of the national REActors in Armenia received an unexpected call from Vardan (name changed), one of his former mentees. The guy reported that he was kicked out of his house after his relatives found out about his positive HIV status (a neighbor saw him receiving ART in the hospital and told his family everything). This left Vardan homeless and unsupported.

The REActor responded immediately by inviting Vardan to his home. He decided to help the client not only by providing temporary shelter but also by supporting him in his difficult situation – the problem was not solved just by Vardan staying with him temporarily. There needed to be a change in his family’s attitude.

In the morning, the REActor contacted the boy’s mother and frankly told her about her son’s HIV status. Initially, she reacted negatively, but after a serious conversation and thinking about the situation, the woman changed her opinion. The mother was ready to take her son back and support him.

The REActor accompanied Vardan to his family, where they discussed the difficult situation together and overcame their differences. As a result, the boy was accepted back and everyone expressed their willingness to support him in his fight against HIV.

After that, the REActor contacted the National Center for Infectious Diseases and reported what had happened. They promised to take steps to help patients like Vardan avoid similar unpleasant situations in the future by providing them with protection and support.

This story demonstrates the importance of support and understanding in the fight against HIV, and the power of community intervention to address difficult life situations.

Violence against a sex worker in Armenia and her legal support

Post author By velyunsky
Post date December 6, 2023

Lusine (name changed), 32 years old, faced severe violence from a client she encountered in the course of her professional activities in N city. Lusine moved to this city from a war zone, where she worked as a waitress and occasionally engaged in sex work. In her new residence, she faced more difficult conditions, which forced her to delve into sex work to provide for her basic needs, such as paying rent.

One day, after vaginal sex, a client insisted on oral sex, offering an additional fee. Lusine refused, leading to a conflict that later escalated into physical violence. The client beat the girl, and at the end inserted a used condom into her mouth before leaving the apartment.

Although Lusine is embarrassed to seek help, she has told close friends about the incident and is determined to seek support and justice. In her quest for legal protection, she has turned to the New Generation organization, where lawyers are working hard to provide her with the help and support she needs.

A New Generation lawyer is actively working on this case, trying to help the girl file a police report anonymously, given her desire for confidentiality.

Celebrating diversity and resilience: NGO National Trans Coalition (Armenia) marks World Tolerance Day and Anniversary

Post author By velyunsky
Post date November 28, 2023

On November 16, World Tolerance Day is commemorated globally, a day that holds special significance for the National Trans Coalition Human Rights NGO (NTC) as it coincides with the organization’s anniversary. Under the theme “Celebrate diversity!”, this year’s event convened approximately 200 representatives from state institutions, diplomatic missions, international and local organizations, communities, and various stakeholders.

The commemoration began with welcoming speeches and congratulatory notes, followed by the NTC team presenting the organization’s accomplishments over the past year. They shared the annual report, highlighting statistics on human rights violations, instances of stigma and discrimination, as well as cases of violence stemming from intolerance. After the formal segment of the event, participants engaged in treatment sessions, free-flowing conversations, and discussions.

The primary focus of NTC remains the eradication of intolerance directed towards trans*, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals in Armenia. As the organization celebrates another year of resilience, unity, and solidarity, they take a moment to reflect on those lost, acknowledging their strength in the face of adversity. A firm commitment is made to combat transphobia, aspiring to contribute to the creation of a better, safer, and more inclusive world for everyone.

Expressing gratitude for the journey thus far, the NTC remains steadfast in its dedication to the cause and a home for many.

Discrimination based on HIV status in a dental clinic in Armenia

Post author By velyunsky
Post date November 6, 2023

Ashot (name changed), who had been living with HIV for four years and was on antiretroviral therapy (ARV), went to a dental clinic to get implants. He chose this medical facility because it was considered one of the best in the city.

At the consultation with the doctor, Ashot discussed his plans and they agreed on subsequent visits to the clinic. After the consultation, the client was promised a questionnaire. In the process of filling out the questionnaire, Ashot indicated “YES” to the question about HIV infection.

However, the next day, Ashot was refused treatment, namely implantation. An employee of the clinic informed him over the phone that implants are not performed for “patients with AIDS”. This statement became the basis for Ashot’s appeal to the NGO New Generation.

REActors from the NGO New Generation accepted Ashot’s case. A paralegal representing the organization contacted the clinic, introducing himself as a client who wanted to have a tooth extracted. During the conversation, he specified that he was a member of the community of people living with HIV. In response, he was told to report in person to the medical center.

The REActor then forwarded the case to the organization’s lawyer, who is currently investigating the case. New Generation is committed to addressing this discriminatory situation and supporting the rights of people living with HIV.

The case is currently under investigation and the organization’s lawyer is actively working to resolve the case. REActors are also providing support to Ashot in the process of litigation and protection of his rights.

New Generation emphasizes that discrimination based on HIV status is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of equality and human rights. The organization will continue its work to protect the rights and interests of people facing discrimination in the medical field.

Also read:

The case of a doctor in Moldova: the struggle for tolerance and professional ethics

Incident in Moldova with disclosure of medical information

Tags Armenia, Discrimination, HIV

Response stories

Fighting for one’s rights and the rights of others: the story of an attack on a trans woman in Armenia

Post author By velyunsky
Post date October 24, 2023

One summer day in the life of Karine (name changed), an event occurred that was a testament to her courage. Karine, a trans woman, activist, and employee of the NGO New Generation, was working to provide HIV testing and counseling. However, she faced a challenge that she had to take on.

While doing her job, Karine was attacked by a stranger. The man, possibly after learning that Karine was a trans woman, began to insult her and interfere with her HIV prevention activities. Despite the aggression and threats, the NGO New Generation staff decided to keep their cool and leave the testing site.

However, at that moment the situation took an even more frightening turn. The attacker didn’t just stop at words. He attacked Karine, inflicting grievous bodily harm. The person being tested rushed away from the scene, leaving Karine alone. However, the client did not give up in the face of aggression. She immediately contacted the police, and law enforcement officials arrived at the scene. The attacker was detained and a criminal case was opened. It is unclear at this stage whether Karine and the attacker were acquaintances or whether it was a random attack.

Legal support for Karine is being provided by an NGO. With the participation of REActors, it was possible to record the crime and ensure the initiation of criminal proceedings. Thanks to the assistance of paralegals, Karine was sent for a forensic medical examination. The criminal case is currently under review.

The story serves as a reminder of the importance of human rights and the protection of those facing violence and discrimination. The client’s fearless behavior and determination raise an important point about the importance of continuing to fight for equal rights and justice. And that everyone can fight for their rights and the rights of others.

Also read:

Protecting the rights of transgender women in Tajikistan

Incident in Moldova with disclosure of medical information

Tags Armenia, Human Rights, LGBTQ

Response stories

Armenia: a long way to restore the rights of the victim

Post author By velyunsky
Post date October 18, 2023

In 2020, the Republic of Armenia citizen A.A. (name was changed) applied to New Generation Humanitarian NGO. The latter reported that he and his friends were in their country house. A group of people attacked the house and them, demanding to leave in connection with the alleged sexual orientation and gender identity of A.A and his friends. An argument started, after which those people hit different parts of A.A.’s body with their hands, feet and stones, causing bodily injuries around the head. On the same day, A.A. submitted a report on the incident to the RA Police. A forensic medical examination has been appointed. The attorney of New Generation Humanitarian NGO, Ara Gharagyozyan, was involved in the case.

According to the prepared materials based on the report, a criminal case was initiated under Article 117 of the Republic of Armenia a Criminal Code; it was sent to the Investigation Division of the Investigation Committee for preliminary investigation.

In 2020, the Investigation Division made a decision to accept the criminal case. A.A. was recognized as a victim. The case is under investigation.

Sergey Gabrielyan, the President of New Generation Humanitarian NGO, says that despite the revolution in Armenia, discrimination is still perpetrated due to the real or presumed sexual orientation of individuals and gender identity, which is not properly qualified by law enforcement agencies, but is qualified with articles of lenient punishment. New Generation Humanitarian NGO will be consistent in ensuring a fair trial and non-discrimination.

Clarification

Infliction of a willful bodily injury or other damage to health which caused short-term health disorder or insignificant loss of the capacity to work is punished with a fine in the amount of 50 to 100 minimal salaries, or with arrest for up to 2 months.

Case development

In 2021 the preliminary investigation of the case ended and the case was sent to court.
The judge of the Court of General Jurisdiction made a decision about setting the case for hearing.

A forensic psychological examination was assigned to one of the accused – G.S. According to the forensic medical report the accused is considered partially sane and is subject to criminal liability.

The court hearings were scheduled mainly with 3-month breaks, about which the Organization’s attorney Ara Gharagyozyan filed a complaint to the RA Ministry of Justice.

In 2022, the first court hearing on the case of A.A. who had been beaten by G.M. and S.H.
During the hearing, the defense filed a motion to terminate the criminal prosecution on the grounds that the statute of limitations had expired.
The accusing prosecutor did not object to the motion.
The attorney of New Generation Humanitarian NGO Ara Gharagyozyan presented a corresponding objection in the case.
The verdict was announced by the court on the same day.
According to the court decision, the case was terminated and the criminal prosecution was stopped on the grounds of expiration of the statute of limitations.

New Generation Humanitarian NGO considers that:
• Deliberate inaction was shown by the judge, allowing guilty persons to avoid criminal liability. As a result of all this, a number of rights of the victim defined by the ECHR were violated, such as a fair trial, respect for personal and family life, etc.
• Hate crime has not been investigated by the state, which has led to a violation of the victim’s right to abstain from cruel-treatment.

The organization decided to pursue the restoration of the rights of the victim. Ara Gharagyozyan, attorney of New Generation submitted a petition of appeal to the Court of Appeal of the Republic of Armenia.

After exhausting all domestic court instances of the case, according to the initially planned strategy, the attorney of the case lodged the relevant application with the ECHR on June 9, 2023.

The application included complaints on the violations of Article 6.3, Part 1, Article 8.1, and Article 14.1 of the ECHR.

Original Source

Criminal proceedings of the case on trans* person’s beating continue in Armenia

Post author By velyunsky
Post date September 26, 2023

On August 18, 2022, H.A. had been walking in one of the streets of Vanadzor city, when two strangers approached her. The strangers immediately attacked H.A. and beat her hitting on different parts of her body. Then, they took out a knife, held it at H.A. and threatened her to leave the city as she’s a trans* woman and it’s a shame for them to have her in their city. They also threatened to kill the person if she didn’t leave. H.A. called the police. The police arrived at the scene and took everybody to the police department. However, the police materials don’t contain the data of the offenders. During reporting about the case at the police station, the police officers didn’t allow the victim to make calls or mention about her injuries in her report.

By the decision of August 22, 2022, of A. A. Vermishyan, first counsellor, investigator of the Lori regional Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia, the case of beating H.A. at location called Lcher in the night of June 5 and morning of June 6, 2022 and the case of August 18th beating were united.

According to the decision of August 27, 2022, of A.G. Tsakhkloryan, investigator of the Lori regional Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia, H.A. was recognized as a victim.

H.A. applied to NGNGO a month after the incident. NGNGO provided the applicant with assistance, and compiled a complaint against the human rights violation committed by police officers during taking the report from the victim. H.A. was provided with a referral for forensic examination.

Since January 2023 New Generation NGO attorney A. Zalyan took up the case.

In 2023, the cases united by the decision of August 22, 2022, were again separated, and are examined within different proceedings.

The preliminary investigations of the cases continue.

New Generation NGO will provide additional information about the further progress of the cases.

Original Source

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Progress in Addressing Discrimination and Promoting HIV Awareness in North Macedonia

Tags Armenia, Discrimination, Human Rights, LGBTQ

Response stories Uncategorized

Armenia: help in fighting blackmail

Post author By velyunsky
Post date August 30, 2023

This year brought an unexpected challenge in the life of Zara (name changed), a transgender woman. Together with her partner, she decided to take an HIV test and the result was positive. Instead of support and sympathy from her significant other, Zara faced shocking blackmail and threats. Her partner threatened to reveal her HIV status and demanded money to keep this personal information private. He swindled $1,500 in local currency and demanded more.

Zara found herself in a difficult situation, not knowing how to proceed. However, thanks to the advice of a kind friend, she turned to REActors for help. This was the turning point that helped Zara to reclaim her rights and regain her dignity.

The help provided by the REActor was incredibly valuable. Through competent counseling and support, Zara realized her rights and was able to regain her self-esteem. Equally importantly, the paralegal acted as a mediator in resolving this difficult situation. During the conversation, he explained to the offender about his illegal actions and what would follow if he did not stop.

After some time and after the intervention of the REActor, the blackmailer realized his illegal actions and returned the money to Zara. This case is an example of how proper information, dialog, and mediation can help people to fight injustice.

Zara’s story highlights the importance of the work of national REActors who come to the rescue in difficult situations and demonstrate that solidarity and knowledge of one’s rights can make a difference in people’s lives.

Also read:

Fighting for a safe birth: the story of a client from Uzbekistan

Problems of HIV-positive prisoners in Azerbaijan

Tags Armenia, Discrimination, Human Rights, LGBTQ

Response stories

Guiding Change: The Role of REActors in Supporting and Protecting LGBTQ People in Armenia

Post author By velyunsky
Post date July 4, 2023

Армения, несмотря на свое членство в Европейской комиссии против дискриминации, сталкивается с глубоко укоренившейся консервативной культурой и традициями, что приводит к стигматизации и дискриминации ЛГБТК-сообщества.

– Законодательство: Армения не имеет законов, которые явно защищали бы ЛГБТК-сообщество от дискриминации на основе сексуальной ориентации или гендерной идентичности. Это создает юридическую неопределенность и препятствует защите и правам ЛГБТК-людей.

– Социальное отношение: В армянском обществе преобладает консервативный подход к вопросам сексуальной ориентации и гендерной идентичности. Гомофобия и трансфобия распространены, и ЛГБТК-люди подвергаются социальному изоляции, преследованию и насилию. Они также часто сталкиваются с дискриминацией на рабочих местах и в учебных заведениях.

– Отсутствие правовой защиты: ЛГБТК-сообщество в Армении сталкивается с ограничениями в доступе к здравоохранению, социальным услугам и юридической защите. Отсутствие правовой защиты означает, что жертвы дискриминации и насилия имеют мало возможностей обратиться за помощью и справедливостью.

– Пропаганда “традиционных ценностей”: в последние годы наблюдается усиление консервативных и националистических групп, которые активно пропагандируют “традиционные ценности” и враждебно относятся к ЛГБТК-сообществу. Они проводят митинги, демонстрации и кампании, которые способствуют стигматизации и дискриминации ЛГБТК-людей.

Отсутствие законодательной защиты, социальные ограничения и препятствия в доступе к правам и услугам создают неблагоприятную среду для ЛГБТК-людей. Однако, благодаря инструментам, таким как РЕАкт, армянское ЛГБТК-сообщество находит поддержку и защиту, способствуя изменениям в общественном мнении.

Предательство и отчуждение

19 января Тигран (имя изменено) – представитель ЛГБТК-сообщества позвонил РЕАктору со слезами и рассказал, что познакомился в Интернете с парнем. Их общение длилось какое-то время, после чего он отправил ему свои интимные фотографии. Однако парень начал шантажировать Тиграна, сказав, что отправит эти снимки его родителям, если он не переведет ему 100 000 драм (около 250 долларов) до конца дня. Пострадавший был вынужден передать эти деньги, но через 2 дня тот потребовал столько же. Такой суммы у клиента уже не было. Тогда шантажист написал отцу Тиграна, что их сын гей и если до конца следующего дня ему не пришлют 200 000 драм, он выложит его интимные фото в интернет. Вместо поддержки, отец пострадавшего избил его и сказал, что такой сын ему не нужен. Тигран, глубоко переживая, решил покончить жизнь самоубийством и направился к мосту. Он позвонил РЕАктору уже оттуда, перед прыжком. РЕАктор уговорил его не делать поспешных решений и, не прерывая связи, направился к нему.

“Ты не один”

На месте он предоставил психологическую помощь и предложил переночевать у себя, так как Тиграну просто не было куда идти. Утром они вместе направились в отделение полиции. Представители органов подшучивали над молодым человеком и не хотели записывать показания. Они говорили, что пока ничего не опубликовано, нужно радоваться и продолжать наслаждаться жизнью. Тогда РЕАктор позвонил на горячую линию и оставил жалобу, после чего им позволили написать заявление. Уже через несколько дней шантажиста нашли, взяли под стражу и провели воспитательную беседу. Он больше не беспокоит пострадавшего. А Тигран вернулся в семью и помирился с отцом.

Проблемы, с которыми сталкивается ЛГБТК-сообщество в Армении, являются серьезными и требуют немедленных действий со стороны общества, правительства и международного сообщества. Но несмотря на сложности, существует надежда на позитивные изменения и прогресс. Общественное мнение играет важную роль в изменении отношения к ЛГБТК-сообществу. Организации и активисты должны продолжать освещать проблемы, связанные с дискриминацией и стигмой, а также работать над повышением осведомленности об этом вопросе. Образовательные программы, мероприятия и кампании могут помочь смягчить предубеждения и создать атмосферу взаимопонимания и уважения.Важно, чтобы все люди осознавали – ЛГБТК-сообщество имеет те же права и заслуживает равных возможностей и защиты.

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Преодоление стигмы и насилия: История выхода из западни для человека, употребляющего наркотики, в Армении

Tags Armenia, Discrimination, Human Rights, LGBTQ

News

3-Day Intensive: Country REActors Trained in Armenia

Post author By velyunsky
Post date February 22, 2023

February 3-5, 2023, a training was held in Yerevan on documenting cases of violation of the rights of representatives of key populations, as a measure to counteract obstacles in the provision of HIV services. REActors of three national, public organizations of Armenia that are implementing the project in the country were invited to participate: New Generation, National Trans Coalition, and Eurasian Key Populations Coalition. The trainer of the event was Victoria Kalyniuk, Regional Coordinator of REAct.

Over the course of three days, the REActors had the opportunity not only to learn more about the work of the tool itself but were also involved in practical exercises on the definition of discrimination, the level of stigmatization, the analysis of the legal environment of the country and the study of the obligations of the state in protecting the rights of key groups.

“A significant part of the event was devoted to the practice of interviewing, to correctly document by REActors, first of all, sensitive topics. For example, about violence,” Victoria shares. “I also want to note that this training is different from the previous ones, as for the first time it presents a lecture on gender-based violence, its fixation, causes, and consequences. We have not done this before. I think this will be a good start for a series of similar professional training for REActors and other countries in the region where our project is being implemented.”