International Appeals in the Case of Artur Oganisyan: A Call to Armenia and the Global Community

In response to alarming reports of torture, ill-treatment, and serious human rights violations involving Artur Oganisyan and members of his family, the Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” has initiated a series of international appeals. Artur Oganisyan is a citizen of Turkmenistan of Armenian origin. In a country where independent investigations into allegations of torture are virtually nonexistent and the judiciary lacks independence, international mechanisms remain the only viable avenue for accountability and protection. For this reason, we have addressed official institutions of the Republic of Armenia, including executive authorities and the Human Rights Defender (Ombudsperson), as well as Armenian diplomatic missions to international organizations. We have also informed Armenian civil society actors and diaspora representatives in democratic countries. Our appeal is grounded in the universal principle of human rights and solidarity. When a person of Armenian origin is reportedly subjected to torture, and when violations also affect a minor child, the international community must not remain silent. Ethnic origin should never be a basis for discrimination — yet in situations where it may serve as a basis for additional international protection, it must be acknowledged responsibly. Simultaneously, we have submitted information to international human rights organizations, UN mechanisms, diplomatic missions of democratic states, and global policymakers. The Human Rights Platform “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” calls for: an independent international investigation into allegations of torture; a legal assessment of the actions of Turkmen law enforcement officials; protection of the rights of the child; accountability for those responsible; an end to the practice of fabricated criminal charges. Silence in the face of torture enables impunity. The right to protection has no nationality.