Helsinki Committee of Armenia has published “Human Rights in Armenia 2014” Annual Report. The report reflects on the Right to Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, Torture, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment, Political Persecutions, Freedom of Conscience and Religion, The Rights of the Child, Protection of Labor Rights.

The human rights situation worsens during national elections, especially during presidential elections as evidenced by the developments in the aftermath of all presidential elections held in Armenia. From that perspective, 2014 should have been a relatively 'calm' year. However, as was the case in previous years, no serious progress was observed in the human rights field in 2014.

A number of specific features were observed in 2014. For the public at large, perhaps the biggest surprise in domestic politics was Surik Khachatryan's reappointment as the Governor of Syunik region. At first glance, this appointment might seem as having nothing to do with human rights. However, besides the well-known incident that occurred in 2013 in his mansion in the town of Goris, the general public is well-aware of numerous facts of violence committed by Surik Khachatryan and his relatives. Surik Khachatryan's re-appointment showed Armenia authorities' attitude towards human rights and democracy.

In late 2014 quite a number of acts of violence occurred against civic and political activists (arson of cars and brutal beating). 

In 2014, Shant Harutiunian and his friends were given harsh sentences of 4-7 years in prison.

In the foreign policy area the preparation and signing was finalized of the documentation necessary for Armenia's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). In the Armenian National Assembly 4 out of 5 political party groups represented in the National Assembly voted for Armenia's membership in the EEU (Republican Party of Armenia, Prosperous Armenia party, Armenian National Congress and Armenian Revolutionary Federation - ARF-Dashnaktsutiun). Only the Heritage Party group and two opposition MPs voted against. The vote showed that sovereignty and independence of Armenia is not a priority idea for Armenia's main political forces, whether in power or in opposition.

Considering the fact that the EEU member states (Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus) have authoritarian system of government and that human rights and democracy there are not in a particularly good situation, Armenia's accession to the Union arouses serious concern.