Armenia
Overview
Please review the information below and then return to the workplace harassment prevention course.
Harassment and discrimination based on a protected characteristic are prohibited under national law. National law also provides employees protection from bullying.
Applicable Laws
The primary national laws prohibiting employment discrimination and harassment on the basis of any protected characteristic are:
- The Labour Code, 2004 and
- The Law on Ensuring Equality, 2019.
The Labour Code places a general duty on employers to provide safe and healthy working conditions, respect the dignity and honor of employees and comply with equality and non-discrimination principles in managing employment relationships.
Protected Characteristics
Harassment or discrimination based on any characteristic set forth below is prohibited in Armenia.
- Race or color
- Nationality or ethnicity
- Sex or gender
- Language
- National, ethnic or social origin
- Citizenship
- Social status or background
- Religion or belief
- Marital and family status
- Age
- Disability
- Political or other views (including trade union activity)
- Genetic features
- Membership in a national minority
- Property status
Regional, state or other political subdivision laws may provide additional, separate standards and remedies for certain prohibited conduct.
Definitions
Harassment
Harassment is defined as:
Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment
Armenia does not have a specific definition of sexual harassment. Depending on its severity, sexual harassment may constitute a criminal offense.
Filing a Claim in Armenia
A claim for employment discrimination or harassment may be filed with the Human Rights Defender or the Labour Inspectorate.
Employment discrimination and harassment claims may also be filed in court.
Potential Remedies
In Armenia, an employee who has experienced workplace discrimination or harassment may be entitled to monetary and other remedies. An employer may be required to take certain actions to correct or redress discriminatory harassment or violations of workplace safety standards. Potential remedies are listed below.
- Hiring
- Transfers
- Reassignments
- Promotions
- Reinstatement to a position
- Compensation for lost wages and benefits
- Damages for injury to dignity or feelings
- Cease and desist orders
Retaliation Prohibited
Employer retaliation against an employee who files a complaint relating to discrimination or harassment or is involved in the complaint process is unlawful.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only.
It does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.