What steps has the Armenian government taken to reform the Armenian security sector? Are Western models of the security sector relevant to Armenia? This report from Saferworld analyses the Armenian security sector. It finds that the limited reforms that have taken place in Armenia cannot be understood as security sector reform (SSR) as it is usually defined. Implementing SSR would contribute greatly to reducing tensions in Armenia and creating a state that is more sustainable over the long term.
The Armenian authorities have never perceived security in the same way as it is perceived in Western models of the security sector. The development of the Armenian security sector should be seen in terms of an initial formation phase followed by a strengthening of security institutions. Reforms to strengthen the rule of law, reduce corruption and increase public trust in the security sector, however, would gain public and international support. This would allow the Armenian government to implement reforms, especially in regard to justice and policing, despite opposition from elements who are resistant to change.
Changes made in the security sector in Armenia are far from what is generally understood by SSR, in that:
- There has not been a clearly stated policy on SSR. Armenia has not published a national security concept defining threats and responses, and changes have been implemented in a piecemeal and ad hoc fashion.
- Democratic control of security institutions by either the state or civil society is limited at best.
- No practical moves have been made towards professionalization of the armed forces or modernisation and improved training for the police.
- There are few signs of change in the Armenian approach to peacebuilding or of demilitarisation of the conflict zone in Nagorno Karabakh.
- Most Armenians lack faith in the rule of law, which is undermined by political interference and corruption, despite relatively advanced progress in justice sector reform.
- The level of international involvement in SSR in Armenia has been low, with limited cooperation between the Armenian authorities and Western governments and international organisations.
The Armenian government should publish a national security concept, formulate a policy on the future of the security sector and define security actors’ responsibilities. It should tackle corruption and human rights abuses and increase transparency in the security sector, improve budgetary oversight and commit to police reform. Civil society should increase its work on security issues, strengthen capacity to monitor the security sector, and work with the police on community-based policing. The international community and donors should:
- consider possibilities for encouraging SSR as part of conflict resolution, link security and development when drafting development programmes, and ensure that assistance is conflict sensitive;
- balance local and Western priorities in security cooperation, include SSR in EU and NATO partnership with Armenia and maintain dialogue between the West and Russia; and
- coordinate international support for SSR, facilitate debate on security matters, offer advice and assistance on SSR and develop civil society’s capacity to contribute to security.
