CCPR/C/79/Add.100
page 4
been increased. The Committee also notes that non-recognized religions
are discriminated against in their entitlement to own private property and
to receive foreign funds.
20.
The Committee is concerned about the compatibility of the 1991 Press
Law with freedom of expression under article 19 of the Covenant, in
particular that the notion of “State secrets” and of “untrue and
unverified information” (article 6 of the Press Law) are unreasonable
restrictions on freedom of expression. Furthermore, the Committee is
concerned about the extent of the Government's monopoly in respect of
printing and distribution of newspapers.
21.
The Committee expresses its concern about the strict governmental
control over electronic media, which may raise issues under article 19 and
which results in serious limitations to the exercise of the rights
guaranteed in article 25, in particular with regard to elections.
22.
The Committee expresses its concern about the State party’s position
that it is not possible to ensure that small national minorities have
access to educational facilities in their language of origin. The
Committee recommends that measures be taken in conformity with article 27
of the Covenant.
23.
The Committee commends the State party for its efforts in
disseminating information on human rights, including human rights
education in school curricula. In particular, the Committee observes that
human rights training of the legal profession and of the judiciary is
necessary for democracy. Therefore, the Committee recommends that such
training be provided. The Committee urges the State party to disseminate
widely its initial report and the Committee’s concluding observations.
24.
The Committee has fixed the date for submission of Armenia’s second
periodic report to be October 2001.
-----