Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly-Vanadzor

August 30 has been the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances for already 12 years.

Taking into account the constant danger of escalation of the Karabakh conflict and the urgency of giving a comprehensive solution to the numerous legal, social, financial, psychological and other problems of hundreds of persons gone missing from Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh after the first Karabakh war and their families, HCA Vanadzor initiated activities aimed at developing the draft law on "Missing persons". The development of the draft law was completed in 2011, and it was to be discussed in the interdepartmental commission to be included in the National Assembly agenda.

Despite the implemented work and the overt threat of resumption of hostilities, the state authorities have ignored the need to adopt the law for 12 years on end.

According to the information of the RA Investigative Committee, there are 195 persons missing after the 44-day war unleashed by Azerbaijan on 27 September 2020. 175 of the missing 195 persons are servicepersons, and 20 are civilians.

HCA Vanadzor is preparing applications to the UN Committee of Enforced Disappearances,  a body of independent experts which monitors the implementation of the Convention for the Protection of all Persons against Enforced Disappearance by the States parties.

Read the details in Armenian HERE