Armenia’s military suffers 32 non-combat deaths, dozens of self-harm cases in 2025

In Armenia, the armed forces recorded 32 non-combat deaths and numerous cases of violence in 2025, according to the annual report of the Human Rights Defender.

The office of the ombudsman received approximately 900 complaints over the year, two of which were related to non-combat deaths.

According to the Ministry of Defence of Armenia:

• 32 deaths – 8 service-related, 24 non-service-related
• 4 suicide attempts
• 71 cases of self-harm
• 5 cases of self-harm in the border troops (National Security Service)

A total of 63 complaints (around 7%) concerned violence and ill-treatment.

The report highlights that after psychologists were introduced into the armed forces, non-combat deaths decreased by 66%, while cases of self-harm fell by nearly 40%.

Key ongoing challenges include medical care, living conditions, infrastructure, water shortages, and the state of medical posts. While food quality has improved, the report emphasises the need for ongoing sanitary oversight.

By Tamilla Hasanova