Armenia: Persistent gaps in torture prevention and accountability in Armenia

The country rapporteurs were Ms. Ana Racu and Mr. Peter Kessing.

The Armenian delegation was led by Ms Anna Karapetyan, Deputy Minister of Justice.

Main Issues Discussed:

The Committee welcomed Armenia’s adoption of a new Criminal Code, noting with satisfaction the inclusion of Article 450, which expands the definition of torture, and provisions abolishing the statute of limitations and prohibiting pardons and amnesties for such crimes. However, it expressed concern that the minimum penalty for torture remains low, despite the possibility of imposing heavier sentences in aggravating circumstances and recommended that penalties be made fully commensurate with the gravity of the crime. The Committee also criticised the limited access to compensation, which is contingent on the conviction of perpetrators, and raised concerns about the inadequate independence and capacity of investigative and oversight bodies.

The Committee expressed concern over Armenia’s continued overuse of pretrial detention and poor conditions in detention facilities, despite legal reforms. It noted overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, high suicide rates, and especially poor conditions in outdated prisons like Nubarashen. The Committee raised concerns about poor conditions, coercive practices, lack of judicial oversight, and violence in psychiatric and social care institutions, including the mixing of vulnerable groups and absence of community-based alternatives. It urged Armenia to improve material conditions, ensure safeguards against involuntary placement and restraint, and implement deinstitutionalisation with adequate legal protections and support services. It also addressed excessive use of police force, particularly during protests and arrests, restrictions on legal counsel, and impunity for ill-treatment.

Further concerns included the risk of refoulement and procedural barriers in Armenia’s asylum system, particularly the short application deadline and inadequate protections for vulnerable groups. The Committee also addressed gender-based violence and child protection, urging stronger enforcement of laws and better support systems. Violence and non-combat deaths in the armed forces, especially linked to hazing and lack of accountability, were noted.

The CAT’s recommendations are available here.

Follow-up Recommendations

The State party should provide information by the 2nd of May 2026 on the implementation of recommendations regarding:

• Address restrictions affecting individuals seeking asylum.

• Investigate all allegations of torture and improve pretrial detention practices, emphasising the use of non-custodial measures and judicial oversight.

• Improve the conditions and safeguards in psychiatric and social care settings, particularly the use of restraints and the treatment of children with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities.

Further details, including video recordings of the sessions (part one and part two), are available for those interested in the CAT’s full review and Armenia’s response to the recommendations.