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ADDRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN THE ARMENIAN ARMED FORCES
TransConflict
Nov 18 2013
November 18, 2013 9:32 am
With human rights violations in the Armenian Armed Forces having become
a taboo subject, Peace Dialogue used simulations to raise awareness
about the situation faced by soldiers, thereby helping breakdown the
culture of silence that prevailed.
By Edgar Khachatryan
Attempting to raise public awareness about human rights violations
in the Armenian army, Peace Dialogue, an NGO from Armenia, organized
various activities to help educate Armenian society. At the beginning
of 2013, Peace Dialogue launched a new initiative, a two-year project
called 'Safe Soldiers for a Safe Armenia', with the support of the
Dutch organization, IKV Pax Christi. The aim of this initiative is
to end human rights violations in the armed forces and to develop
Armenia's safety, plus the safety of those soldiers who protect it.
The organization hopes that this project will result in greater
public awareness about the poor human rights situation facing the
armed forces. In order to create public demand to solve this problem,
Peace Dialogue works to mobilize local, national and international
actors, who in turn involve experts from the EU, NATO and the OSCE.
Based on Peace Dialogue's research, 25 fatalities were recorded
in the Republic of Armenia (RA) Armed Forces between January and
October 2013. Only three of these were the result of violations of
the ceasefire signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 1994. Regular
ceasefire violations and constant information warfare indicate that the
previously open war has become a hidden war. As people demand security
from government, the government responds through the Army. At this
stage, a strong Army remains the main means of securing stability,
for both society and the government.
There are, however, developments in this structure that are beyond
the control of society. As society perceives the Army as the only
means of protecting stability, they are inclined to forgive all of
its human rights transgressions. A major part of society thinks that
silence should be maintained in the face of human rights violations
because of the precarious geopolitical status of the country. Many
people perceive Armenia as being surrounded by enemies. However,
the regime uses the taboo nature of the issue and a lack of civilian
control over the Army to advance their interests.
Although the dangers in the army affect thousands of young conscripts
and their families, the issue of this forgotten massacre remains
unspoken in Armenian society. What is more, it has become a taboo
issue in the country.
In order to address these challenges, Peace Dialogue is organizing
a simulation trial, called 'Fair Court', in various cities across
Armenia. Simulations help staff reveal the underlying factors
and dynamics that are at work in real situations, whist creating a
learning method that is oriented on practical experience. Simulations
generally attempt to recreate real life situations in a controlled
context, often for educational or entertainment purposes. It is also
a powerful method that gives the participants an opportunity to test
their negotiation skills and their ability to manage conflicts.
Furthermore, it promotes a space in which such taboo issues can be
openly discussed in society. Fair Court, which is organized using
the conflict modelling methodology, was presented first to a number
of Vanadzor citizens, and then in a number of cities and towns in
Armenia. This case was based on a true story concerning the death
of a soldier in the armed forces. The soldier was beaten and killed
by fellow soldiers due to an argument. The incident could have been
prevented by an officer on duty, but was not.
During the simulated court trial, the audience members take on
the roles of all parties and strive to achieve justice for their
characters. The court hears the details of the case, the witnesses and
the defendants. The defendants were soldiers who, under the influence
of alcohol, had beaten their fellow soldier and unintentionally caused
his death. The court also hears the officer on duty who, although
he did not take part in the fight, did not prevent the soldiers
from using alcohol on duty, either. Moreover, he also took part with
great pleasure in the birthday party of one of those soldiers. After
clarifying the circumstances of the case and after hearing arguments
from the prosecution and the defense, the court issues its verdict,
based on the development and dynamics of the simulated trial case. At
the real court trial of the same case, the officer received a mild
punishment, was given an amnesty, and was released from the courtroom.
The soldiers, who unintentionally caused the death of their fellow
soldier, were sentenced to a long period of imprisonment.
Initially, the organizers believed that this simulation game would
have an impact on the people and when they would take up the roles
they would actually understand the issues and realize the significance
of human rights protection. The results of the simulated court trial
and its impact were reflected in the discussion that followed.
The participants and the audience were given an opportunity to
share their impressions. Some of them expressed that the simulated
court trial provided an opportunity to learn more about the judicial
process and its peculiarities, allowing to put themselves in the shoes
of those who take part in a trial. It is most important, however,
that although some of the participants were previously unaware of
the problems in the army, they were willing to discuss the problem
after the simulation, rather than perpetuating the culture of silence.
Edgar Khachatryan is the Director of Peace Dialogue, a member of the
Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation.
http://www.transconflict.com/2013/11/addressing-human-rights-violations-armenian-armed-forces-181/
From: Baghdasarian
TransConflict
Nov 18 2013
November 18, 2013 9:32 am
With human rights violations in the Armenian Armed Forces having become
a taboo subject, Peace Dialogue used simulations to raise awareness
about the situation faced by soldiers, thereby helping breakdown the
culture of silence that prevailed.
By Edgar Khachatryan
Attempting to raise public awareness about human rights violations
in the Armenian army, Peace Dialogue, an NGO from Armenia, organized
various activities to help educate Armenian society. At the beginning
of 2013, Peace Dialogue launched a new initiative, a two-year project
called 'Safe Soldiers for a Safe Armenia', with the support of the
Dutch organization, IKV Pax Christi. The aim of this initiative is
to end human rights violations in the armed forces and to develop
Armenia's safety, plus the safety of those soldiers who protect it.
The organization hopes that this project will result in greater
public awareness about the poor human rights situation facing the
armed forces. In order to create public demand to solve this problem,
Peace Dialogue works to mobilize local, national and international
actors, who in turn involve experts from the EU, NATO and the OSCE.
Based on Peace Dialogue's research, 25 fatalities were recorded
in the Republic of Armenia (RA) Armed Forces between January and
October 2013. Only three of these were the result of violations of
the ceasefire signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 1994. Regular
ceasefire violations and constant information warfare indicate that the
previously open war has become a hidden war. As people demand security
from government, the government responds through the Army. At this
stage, a strong Army remains the main means of securing stability,
for both society and the government.
There are, however, developments in this structure that are beyond
the control of society. As society perceives the Army as the only
means of protecting stability, they are inclined to forgive all of
its human rights transgressions. A major part of society thinks that
silence should be maintained in the face of human rights violations
because of the precarious geopolitical status of the country. Many
people perceive Armenia as being surrounded by enemies. However,
the regime uses the taboo nature of the issue and a lack of civilian
control over the Army to advance their interests.
Although the dangers in the army affect thousands of young conscripts
and their families, the issue of this forgotten massacre remains
unspoken in Armenian society. What is more, it has become a taboo
issue in the country.
In order to address these challenges, Peace Dialogue is organizing
a simulation trial, called 'Fair Court', in various cities across
Armenia. Simulations help staff reveal the underlying factors
and dynamics that are at work in real situations, whist creating a
learning method that is oriented on practical experience. Simulations
generally attempt to recreate real life situations in a controlled
context, often for educational or entertainment purposes. It is also
a powerful method that gives the participants an opportunity to test
their negotiation skills and their ability to manage conflicts.
Furthermore, it promotes a space in which such taboo issues can be
openly discussed in society. Fair Court, which is organized using
the conflict modelling methodology, was presented first to a number
of Vanadzor citizens, and then in a number of cities and towns in
Armenia. This case was based on a true story concerning the death
of a soldier in the armed forces. The soldier was beaten and killed
by fellow soldiers due to an argument. The incident could have been
prevented by an officer on duty, but was not.
During the simulated court trial, the audience members take on
the roles of all parties and strive to achieve justice for their
characters. The court hears the details of the case, the witnesses and
the defendants. The defendants were soldiers who, under the influence
of alcohol, had beaten their fellow soldier and unintentionally caused
his death. The court also hears the officer on duty who, although
he did not take part in the fight, did not prevent the soldiers
from using alcohol on duty, either. Moreover, he also took part with
great pleasure in the birthday party of one of those soldiers. After
clarifying the circumstances of the case and after hearing arguments
from the prosecution and the defense, the court issues its verdict,
based on the development and dynamics of the simulated trial case. At
the real court trial of the same case, the officer received a mild
punishment, was given an amnesty, and was released from the courtroom.
The soldiers, who unintentionally caused the death of their fellow
soldier, were sentenced to a long period of imprisonment.
Initially, the organizers believed that this simulation game would
have an impact on the people and when they would take up the roles
they would actually understand the issues and realize the significance
of human rights protection. The results of the simulated court trial
and its impact were reflected in the discussion that followed.
The participants and the audience were given an opportunity to
share their impressions. Some of them expressed that the simulated
court trial provided an opportunity to learn more about the judicial
process and its peculiarities, allowing to put themselves in the shoes
of those who take part in a trial. It is most important, however,
that although some of the participants were previously unaware of
the problems in the army, they were willing to discuss the problem
after the simulation, rather than perpetuating the culture of silence.
Edgar Khachatryan is the Director of Peace Dialogue, a member of the
Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation.
http://www.transconflict.com/2013/11/addressing-human-rights-violations-armenian-armed-forces-181/
From: Baghdasarian