Armenia

Armenia has an uneven record on human rights. Authorities continue to interfere with freedom of assembly and have used excessive force against peaceful protesters and pressed unjustified criminal charges against protest leaders. Ill-treatment in custody remains a persistent problem. Investigations into the actions of police and other law enforcement–even when opened–are ineffective. Journalists have faced pressure and violence over their work. Violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity are serious concerns. Thousands of children live in state institutions needlessly separated from their families; children with disabilities overwhelmingly lack access to quality education. The government has yet to lift unnecessary restrictions on access to pain medications for people with terminal illnesses.