Case of sexual violence

from The Human Rights Situation of LGBT People in Armenia During 2020

Hate speech displayed by state officials, discriminatory attitude

In the reported cases, the violence took place after family members of LGBT individuals became aware or suspected of them being an LGBT person. And this information became known to the family members in various circumstances, after reading the personal correspondence of the victims, after being declared unfit for military service based on sexual orientation, through the friends of the victims, etc. The use of violence against LGBT people by family members has been continuous and unceasing.

The mother and brother of a gay man found out about his sexual orientation after the military service commission was informed about his homosexuality while examining the suitability of military service. After that, harassment and pressure started on him. His brother physically abused, humiliated, and insulted him. The man decided to leave and live separately because he could not live with his family anymore, besides, his family members also demanded it.

The RA Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence was adopted to ensure the implementation of the international obligations undertaken by the RA in the fight against domestic violence. Various international bodies, whose positions should be considered when interpreting human rights by Armenian state bodies, noted the importance of combating domestic violence. Recommendation 1582 (2002) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe proposes that member states take certain measures to prevent domestic violence, such as improving statistics on domestic violence, developing a clear picture of its nature and prevalence, launching national media campaigns against domestic violence, and educating the public about gender equality, etc. The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence not ratified by the Republic of Armenia31 has an advisory role for the state. It also sets out certain actions that states must take to prevent domestic violence, protect victims of violence, and investigate cases of domestic violence32 . The volume of cases registered by Pink shows that Armenia has failed in its obligation in the fight against domestic violence. It has failed to create a legal and social environment in which LGBT people will be safe in their families. Lack of a non-discriminatory environment has led to violations of LGBT people’s right to physical and psychological inviolability, privacy, economic rights, and non-discrimination by their family members.