Yerevan, August 11, 2025

The Armenian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum expresses its deep concern and strongly condemns the unlawful and unprovoked pressure exerted on human rights defender Mamikon Hovsepyan with respect to the decision adopted by the Ethics Committee of Country Coordinating Mechanism against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria of the
Republic of Armenia (CCM).

On June 25, 2025, a document was sent to the CCM members based on the CCM and the Global Fund Code of Conduct. The document refers to the fact that Mamikon Hovsepyan is being reprimanded and temporarily suspended based on the concerns he has repeatedly raised about possible financial abuse and corruption. Instead of responding to the questions and concerns raised or providing proper commentary, the CCM Secretariat accepted the application for alleged ethics violations, processed it, and subsequently adopted a decision.

The CCM Ethics Committee abused its powers, violated the principles of fair procedure, and imposed a sanction without legal grounds. The imposed sanction, a “reprimand” and a 6-month temporary suspension, is in no way stipulated by the CCM charter or existing regulations. Moreover, the charges are presented without any factual substantiation or clear statements that would confirm the presence of “disinformation” or “defamation.” Mamikon Hovsepyan was not given the opportunity to familiarize himself with the complaints, comment on them, and express his stance. This grossly violates the principles of fair procedure, impartiality, and human rights.

The decision sent to the members of the CCM on June 25 is based solely on the CCM and Global Fund Code of Conduct. However, it was only after Pink’s request that it was revealed that the decision was based on a document entitled the “Guidelines for Review of Complaints and Adoption of Decisions by the Ethics Committee,” which was never brought to the attention of or approved by the members of the CCM. Therefore, this document has no legal force, and the decision made having regard thereto cannot be considered legal.

Mamikon Hovsepyan has consistently raised systemic issues and tried to bring them to the attention of decision-makers using public online platforms and repeatedly sending letters to various agencies having been consistently ignored. And precisely those publications about abuses and gaps in the healthcare sector have been used to silence the human rights defender through administrative resources. Mamikon Hovsepyan has acted exclusively within the scope of the right to freedom of expression, raising issues of public importance. This right is enshrined in Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Article 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia.

The fact that this process is aimed at weakening public oversight is salient. Civil society has a key role to play in demanding transparency and accountability from state bodies.
In support of Mamikon Hovsepyan, the EaP CSF Armenia National Platform demands:
• immediate revocation of the illegal decision by CCM Ethics Committee;
• stopping the persecution of the human rights defender on the grounds of exercising the right to expression;
• restoration of the principle of freedom of speech and expression within CCM;
• a transparent and independent investigation into the role and lawfulness of the actions of the Ministry of Health.

Human rights defenders should be protected, not persecuted. Criticism is not a threat, it is the core of democracy and accountability.