New Regulations Established for Missing Persons
The National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia has adopted in its second reading and in its entirety the new bill “On Persons Missing in Conditions and Circumstances Created as a Result of Military Operations,” with 88 votes in favor, 0 against, and 0 abstentions.
The law defines a missing person in Armenia as a serviceman or a person not in military service, including volunteers, who disappeared under conditions created by military operations, as well as during a ceasefire or the peaceful period following military actions.
The law stipulates that the search for a missing person is terminated if, within three days of determining their location, burial site, or the location of their remains, a record is made in a corresponding newly created registry. However, if a person has been declared dead by a court decision but their body has not been found, the search shall not be terminated.
The National Security Service is designated as the authorized body for missing persons’ issues. It will coordinate relevant activities, data collection, and search operations, as well as maintain communication with families.
The law also provides social guarantees. In the event of a long-term illness or death of a family member, the state may provide a one-time financial aid once a year. If the family of a missing person is homeless or resides in a building with a fourth-degree damage rating (emergency condition), the state may provide them with housing ownership or financial support for home acquisition.
Family members of missing persons will also benefit from tax and educational privileges, as well as additional financial assistance. Identical support will be provided to the families of the 22 individuals missing as a result of the fuel depot explosion near the Artsakh capital, Stepanakert, in September 2023.
According to official data, 437 people went missing from the Armenian side between 1988 and 2005, of whom 224 were servicemen and 213 were civilians. Following the 2020 44-day war, 191 people are considered missing.
