Statement on Recent Events in Yerevan

We are closely following the events in Yerevan unfolding since the seizure of a police compound in Erebuni on 17 July.

The United Nations in Armenia is concerned by reports last night of numerous detentions and use of force resulting in injuries. The use of force against journalists exercising their functions is never acceptable.

We join the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia and other international organizations in calling for immediate investigations, restraint and tolerance on all sides. The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and to freedom of expression must be respected, and arbitrary detention cannot be tolerated.

We express condolences to the family of the police officer (Artur Vanoyan) who has lost his life in the Erebuni events. We also condemn taking medical personnel hostage, which can never be justified.

We hope for a swift and peaceful resolution of the standoff. We also encourage enhanced mechanisms for constructive dialogue between broader civil society and the authorities.