New Bill on Equality of Rights: summary of recommendations

The Draft Law of the Republic of Armenia “On Ensuring Equality of rights” published by the RA Ministry of Justice and recently published on the website of the Government E-draft, which has become part of a legislative package with a number of other bills, has triggered a heated debate. At the same time, the proposals have been presented in the manner prescribed by law, but there is no response by the Ministry’s yet.

It should be noted that the package also includes the bill “On National Minorities” and related projects, which the Ministry of Justice explains that the draft laws discussed are in organic communication with each other and it is expedient to present them in one package.

In particular, many have disagreed with the name of the bill on equality of rights. It is proposed to replace the title of the draft title with the title “Exclusion of All Forms of Discrimination”, as it is subject to such a law in accordance with international prior experience and standards that should  overcome all forms of discrimination in society.

The Ministry of Justice substantiates that the objectives of the projects are to ensure equal opportunities for the exercise of the rights and freedoms of every person and citizen in Armenia irrespective of gender, race, color, ethnic or social origin, genetic traits, language, religion, outlook, political or other views , national minority membership, property status, birth, disability, age, or other personal or social circumstances.

The Coalition for the Prevention of Discrimination and the Equality Coalition and a number of other proposals indicated that the definition of discrimination and its types in the bill, given in Article 4, is not exhaustive.

The Public Information and Need for Knowledge NGO suggests adding the article titled “Principles of exclusion of discrimination” and enshrining the principles of access to justice, the inviolability of private and family life information, and the absolute prohibition of discrimination. The Armenian Association of Lawyers also suggests incorporating accountability into the list of principles.

The second chapter of the bill refers to ensuring equality in separate areas.

The third chapter of the bill concerns the creation of the Equality Council. According to the bill, it will be an Advisory Body adjunct to the Ombudsman’s Office, whose purpose is to support the Ombudsman in ensuring the protection of all human rights and all forms of discrimination.

Full text in Armenian