In Armenia, among the platforms of cooperation between the Human Rights Defender and civil society organizations are the advisory councils operating under the Defender, which are composed of representatives of civil society organizations and independent experts possessing the necessary experience and knowledge in specific fields of human rights.
Siranush Sahakyan, Director of the “Center for International and Comparative Law,” is involved in one of these councils - the Expert Council on the Protection of the Rights of Military Personnel. The Council aims to provide support to the Defender in matters related to the protection of the rights of military personnel, including identifying and discussing existing problems in this area and presenting proposals to competent authorities.
For the purpose of effectively addressing the issues raised within the Council, extended meetings are organized, during which matters concerning cases of death and self-harm in the armed forces, the strengthening of discipline, issues recorded during conscription, as well as issues related to the rights of women in the armed forces are discussed. In addition to Council members, representatives of other competent state bodies and journalists also participate in these meetings.