OSCE and Council of Europe encourage consultation on freedom of assembly law in Armenia

YEREVAN, 3 June, 2005 - The right to freedom of assembly was the focus of a meeting held by the OSCE and the Council of Europe in Yerevan today. It brought together government officials, parliamentarians, members of political parties, civil society representatives and diplomats.

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe presented their recommendations on draft amendments to the Armenian Law on Conducting Gatherings, Meetings, Rallies and Demonstrations. The law was adopted in the first reading at an extraordinary session of the Armenian National Assembly.

The ODIHR and the Venice Commission have been engaged in consultations with Armenian authorities and civil society on the legislation since March 2004.

"The process whereby laws are drafted and adopted is as important as their content," said ODIHR Director, Ambassador Christian Strohal. "A good law requires prior broad consultations reaching out to stakeholders."

Gianni Buquicchio, Secretary of the Venice Commission, added: "A democratic approach to the right to freedom of assembly must be developed and supported with the participation of all in Armenian society".

ODIHR and Venice Commission experts noted significant improvements in the text of the amendments. However, they said a number of concerns remain, particularly regarding proscribed locations and spontaneous assemblies.

The ODIHR and Venice Commission experts, as well as most of the participants suggested that Armenian authorities ensure the monitoring of the application of the law.

The meeting was part of a wide-ranging co-operation between the Venice Commission and the ODIHR on legislative reviews and support in a number of countries.

The OSCE Office in Yerevan took part in organizing the event.