Raw & Unfiltered

LGBT people and issues became a mainstream topic of conversation last year in Armenia, much to the fanfare, or perhaps due to, the former ruling elite, and a public glued to social media.

Mining has a potential to play a significant role in Armenia, however current gaps in legislation and poor monitoring and assessment presents many risks.

Will Armenia be able to turn the tide on migration? According to a 2015 UN Report, Armenia’s population is projected to decrease to 2.7 million by 2050. Following the Velvet Revolution, however, the ominous demographic situation is starting to show some positive developments.

Sex continues to be a taboo subject in Armenia. When it comes to sexual relations between individuals with disabilities, the misconceptions and taboos are even greater, writes Kushane Chobanyan.

A recent ruling by the ECHR has brought up the issue of the proper application of eminent domain once again. While the state has the right to exercise eminent domain, it also has a responsibility to guarantee that the purpose is to benefit society, not narrow business interests.

Couples who have struggled with infertility, sometimes turn to surrogate mothers to have a child of their own. With continuing economic hardship in Armenia, policymakers and health professionals need to address issues in the current legislation that may leave women who choose to become surrogates vulnerable.

Journalist Gohar Abrahamyan stumbled upon a scuffle on one of the central streets of Yerevan involving an elderly man and his young grandson. While trying to understand the situation, Abrahamyan also uncovered the irreversible consequence of people’s indifference when they witness abuse.

As women in Armenia continue to break stereotypes, they are entering professions usually reserved for men. Kushane Chobanyan spent a day with female first responders and got a peek inside the life of these incredible women.

Amnesty is practiced in countries where judicial independence is weak or compromised and courts are among the most mistrusted institutions. This year, the ninth amnesty was announced in Armenia. Considering its timing and the stakeholders it affects, some argue that it was politically motivated.

Three decades after the catastrophic Spitak Earthquake, Hovhannes Nazaretyan takes a look back at how that tragedy was covered by one of America’s most prestigious newspapers.