Human Rights Defender Visits Military Hospital in Yerevan
Yerevan, July 29, 2026 – Armenia’s Human Rights Defender, Anahit Manasyan, conducted an unannounced monitoring visit to the psychiatric department of the Ministry of Defense’s Yerevan garrison hospital yesterday, July 29. The visit aimed to assess the conditions and address concerns related to the medical care of servicemen.
During her visit, Ms. Manasyan toured the hospital and met with servicemen receiving treatment in the psychiatric department. She inquired about their health status and the ongoing treatment process, while also observing the building conditions.
Call for Improved Conditions in Psychiatric Ward
The Human Rights Defender specifically highlighted the urgent need to improve the building conditions of the psychiatric department. Discussions were held with the hospital’s management and medical staff regarding various issues related to the provision of medical assistance and services to servicemen, as well as the organization of activities within the psychiatric department. Ms. Manasyan emphasized the full assurance of servicemen’s right to receive medical care in dignified and appropriate conditions.
Private Conversations with Servicemen
As part of the visit, private conversations were held with the servicemen in the department. These discussions covered topics such as the provision of medical care, living conditions, and potential issues encountered during their service, along with their proposed solutions. A doctor-psychiatrist from the Human Rights Defender’s staff also participated in the visit.
Investigation into Specific Case of Serviceman A.H.
During the visit, special attention was given to the issues concerning the rights of conscript A.H., which had been circulated on social media platforms. A confidential private conversation was held with the serviceman, with the participation of the doctor-psychiatrist, to address his concerns. Medical documents were also reviewed. All matters related to this serviceman are currently being addressed according to their jurisdiction. The Human Rights Defender stated that this issue is under her direct attention, and additional information will be released by the Human Rights Defender’s institution after the review of the results is finalized.
Broader Monitoring Efforts
This visit is part of a series of unannounced monitoring visits conducted by the Human Rights Defender’s office. Previously, the Human Rights Defender conducted an unannounced monitoring visit to the “Haghtanak” round-the-clock care center of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, and held meetings with the German Ambassador to Armenia, Claudia Busch. Representatives of the Human Rights Defender also conducted unannounced monitoring visits to police departments and court cells of the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs, met with the head of Kapan community Gevorg Parsyan, and visited Areganz Manukyan in “Abovyan” penitentiary to discuss communication issues with her daughter. Furthermore, Anahit Manasyan visited a military unit under the special army corps of the Ministry of Defense and the Agarak border crossing point of the state border of the Republic of Armenia, and discussed human rights issues in Meghri community with the head of the community.
