The civil society addressed a message to the newly formed authorities of the Republic of Armenia, urging them to unite in solving the priority challenges in Armenia. The authors of the address singled out several areas that need to be addressed urgently to overcome the challenges facing the country. The address was also joined by "EcoLur" Informational NGO.
The address says:
The summary of the results of the early parliamentary elections held on June 20 shows that "Civil Contract" party led by Nikol Pashinyan received a significant majority of votes. This political force will undertake the mission of forming a new government, and the other two forces that have passed the parliament will act as a radical opposition.
The re-elected authorities have a historic mission to take the necessary measures to bring the country out of the current crisis, to overcome social deprivation, and to enter a period of recovery.
Out of a large number of urgent issues facing the newly elected parliament and the new government, we especially consider the following as a priority. Taking steps in these areas is necessary to overcome the current crisis, to have a strong, independent, functioning state institution, to create a socio-political environment based on respect for democratic principles and fundamental human freedoms.
Security and Situation at Border
Given the insecurity of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border population, set up an international monitoring mission under the auspices of the OSCE to monitor the situation of fundamental human rights in border areas. Clarify the legal status of border security, as well as ensure the protection of the interests of the Republic of Armenia and its citizens and in the context of the issue of Artsakh's status observation of demarcation in accordance with the principles of international law.
Return of Prisoners of War
To take urgent and comprehensive efforts in cooperation with international organizations and partner countries for the return and release of prisoners of war held illegally in Azerbaijan.
Issue of Nagorno Karabakh
To take urgent efforts to resume the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group. Without it, it will be impossible to guarantee the security of Artsakh, its citizens, the exercise of the right to self-determination, the establishment of a lasting and indefinite peace.
Constitutional Changes
To initiate discussions with the general public to draft a new constitution, reviewing the model of super-prime ministerial government, strengthening counterbalances, mechanisms of accountability between branches of government, accountability of state bodies to the legislature, the establishment of an independent judiciary, and so on.
Political Assessment
Immediately implement transitional justice through the establishment of the Truth Commission and activities, including for 2018-2020.
Return of Illicit Assets
To provide an effective legislative framework and set up reporting mechanisms and institutions for the return and effective management of state-owned property and public property and other assets, ensuring its compliance with the principles of the rule of law.
Judicial Reforms
To respect the principle of the rule of law and develop other necessary legislative mechanisms to ensure the speedy cleansing of judicial and investigative officials and judges who have failed in the prosecution, as well as the involvement of exclusively impartial, independent professionals in the same systems.
Study of Causes, Consequences and Problems of War
To establish a non-party commission consisting of independent specialists, which will comprehensively investigate the circumstances of the recent war - the trilateral declaration of November 9, 2020, as well as the massive human rights violations in the context of all this. The commission must reveal the truth to the public.
Overcoming Education Crisis
To carry out professional-political assessment at all levels of education (from pre-school to higher education), then develop a clear, realistic reform agenda and roadmap for urgent action. Strengthen morality in the field of education, restore the institutional autonomy of universities որ the quality of education, implement reforms in the field of general education to restore social justice, equal access to quality education at all levels and accessibility for all citizens.
Improving Local Self-government
To reconstruct the system of local self-government, ensuring real balanced territorial development, decentralization, elimination of territorial discrimination. Except for the unavoidable powers to be reserved for the state, to transfer state powers to the local self-government bodies with appropriate funding and to review tax policy.
At the same time, the undersigned organizations express their willingness, in the public interest, to provide free expert assistance to the authorities in resolving the above-mentioned issues and implementing institutional reforms, if the latter wish to undertake them.
The address is open to join. Please inform Narine Yeganyan about joining by writing to [email protected]
Helsinki Citizens' Assembly Vanadzor Office NGO
Public Journalism Club NGO
For Equal Rights NGO
Open Society Foundations - Armenia
Analytical Center for Globalization and Regional Cooperation NGO
Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center NGO
Asparez Journalists' Club NGO
Union of Informed Citizens NGO
Protection of Rights without Borders NGO
Legal Development and Protection Fund
"Tumanyan" Law Office
Restart Foundation
Peace Dialogue NGO
Community Mobilization and Support Center NGO
Martuni Women's Community Council NGO
EcoLur Informational NGO
Women's Resource Center NGO
Armenian Progressive Youth NGO
Anti-Discrimination Coalition for Equality
July 08, 2021 at 16:39