Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 5

Written Answers. - Human Rights Issues.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

41 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the serious concerns expressed by Amnesty International regarding the continued detention of conscientious objectors in Armenia; the representations he has made to the Armenian authorities to secure the release of such prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29246/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I am aware of Amnesty International's concerns about conscientious objectors in Armenia, particularly in relation to the lack of a legal alternative to military service for conscientious objectors in that country. The urgent need to remedy this situation has been made clear to the Armenian government in the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. At the annual EU – Armenia Co-operation Council held in Luxembourg on 30 October, the EU side raised this specific issue with Armenia. Armenia stated that it "shall act vigorously to meet its Council of Europe commitments."

All recent reports of cases of imprisoned con scientious objectors in Armenia have involved Jehovah's Witnesses. Upon its accession to the Council of Europe in January this year, Armenia undertook to ensure that all persons, including those belonging to religious groups which might be regarded as "non-traditional", would be allowed to practise their religions without discrimination. Armenia also agreed to provide an alternative to military service within three years of its accession. My latest information is that the conscientious objectors have yet to be released.

I urge the Armenian Government to abide by the undertakings it made upon accession to the Council of Europe and to release those prisoners detained because of their conscientious objection to military service.