Having assessed the anti-corruption policy of the Armenian Government, the Center for Regional Development / Transparency International Armenia states that:

  • though in 2003 an Anti-Corruption Strategy and its Action Plan were adopted and an Anti-Corruption Council and its Monitoring Commission were established in 2004;
  • though Armenia joined a number of international anti-corruption conventions and structures, and passed numerous laws aimed at preventing corruption;
  • though several programs are in place to help reform the country's system of governance;

anti-corruption initiatives in Armenia are still a mere imitation of the real fight against corruption. So far, the government has not ensured the enforcement of the laws and the equality of people before the law, regardless of their position and income. Citizens' complaints and media disclosures of corruption-related cases have not been paid due attention, and have been hushed up or if addressed only as a mere formality. An increased cynicism and indifference, fear and desparity dominates our society. Yet, pre-requisites for an effective anti-corruption policy include prevention and detection of corruption crimes, conviction of corrupters and public intolerance towards corruption. According to public and expert opinion, since the declaration of the official fight against corruption in Armenia, the level of corruption has not decreased, but rather increased. The spread of corruption is accompanied by: accelerated violations of human rights, an increase in limitations of access to information and freedom of speech, a hinderence of economic competition, a flourishing shadow economy, falsified elections and criminalized political processes. Society is becoming more polirized, people are still emigrating, and national values are being devalued. Manifestations of Illegal behavior and impunity of those breaking the rules are common in todays society. The inaction of authorities regarding the current situation proves the absence of political will to combat corruption. Considering that reduction of corruption is a critical pre-condition for Armenia's further political, economic and social development:

  • We demand that the authorities be held accountable for the failure of anti-corruption reforms before the 2007 Parliamentary elections;
  • We call on political parties, non-governmental organizations and the mass media to put pressure on the government to revise the country's anti-corruption policy;
  • We urge international organizations, investors and sponsors to strictly oversee the assistance they provide and ensure its use for public interests only;
  • We encourage citizens to not tolerate corruption, resist its manifestations in their everyday life.

CRD/TI Armenia Staff