On July 23, the representatives of the Human Rights Defender’s Office visited "Armavir" penitentiary institution.
The aim was to assess the living and sanitary conditions of foreigners deprived of their liberty, and the state of human rights protection. Discussions were held with the administration of the penitentiary institution to understand their challenges and concerns.
According to the information provided by the administration of the penitentiary institution, 180 foreigners, including asylum seekers, were held in the penitentiary institution as of July 23.
Issues related to the mechanism for referring asylum seekers from penitentiary institutions to the asylum-granting body and the difficulties of completing the register of asylum seekers were registered during the visit.
Reference was also made to the issues related to translations provided to foreign citizens deprived of their liberty, which lead to difficulties in working with them, including in the context of socio-psychological work, and the provision of medical services.The staff of "Armavir" penitentiary institution speaks Russian, English and Persian, but communication in other languages, such as Chinese, Turkish, Arabic, etc., remains problematic.
Another issue raised was the quality and availability of water, particularly drinking water. This is especially problematic for foreign citizens deprived of their liberty, because they do not have family members residing in Armenia who can provide them with water.
Issues related to the rules of video calls established by the relevant Government decision were also registered due to the difference in the time zones of the countries where relatives of foreign citizens deprived of their liberty are located.
On behalf of the Human Rights Defender, the recorded issues and summarized analytical reference with suggestions of solutions will be submitted to the competent bodies.
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