Ombudsman criticizes short-term military service plan for payment

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Anahit Manasyan, has voiced serious concerns about a legislative proposal allowing individuals to pay 18 or 24 million drams to serve only 4 or 1 months in the military, respectively, instead of the standard term.

Manasyan's office has received a significant number of complaints from citizens regarding this proposal. She warns that such legislative provisions could lead to severe social stratification based on individuals' financial status, effectively violating the principle of non-discrimination.

According to the proposed draft, only those who can afford to pay 24 million drams would serve one month, and those who pay 18 million drams would serve four months. In contrast, individuals unable to pay would be required to serve the full 24-month term. This creates unequal treatment among individuals in identical legal positions, without offering any objective justification aligned with human rights standards.

Manasyan emphasizes that offering reduced service terms in exchange for payment creates preferential treatment for certain soldiers, based solely on their financial capability. This undermines both constitutional and legal obligations by distributing service requirements unfairly: those financially better off get shorter terms, while those who can’t afford the fee must serve longer.

She stresses that any form of military discrimination based on wealth is unacceptable. Granting privileges tied solely to financial status—such as the ability to pay 18 or 24 million drams—is inconsistent with the principle of equality.

Moreover, the proposal may negatively impact military discipline. Manasyan questions whether the risks of creating divisions among soldiers—where some are perceived as privileged due to paying for shorter service—have been adequately assessed. Such distinctions could potentially foster internal conflicts and deepen non-regulatory behavior within army ranks.

The Ombudsman urges a review of the proposal from a constitutional and international obligations perspective and calls for broader public discussions. She also recommends that the issues addressed in the proposal be resolved using alternative, proportionate measures that balance national security needs with human rights protections.

According to her office, Manasyan plans to submit a comprehensive package of concerns to the appropriate state authorities for clarification.

The Ministry of Defense has reviewed the proposal initiated by Civil Contract party MP Sargsyan and made adjustments. The revised draft sets a fee of 24 million drams for one month of service and 18 million drams for four months. The maximum age for mandatory military service would be raised to 32. The law will take effect once passed by the National Assembly.