Statistics on suicide cases in Armenia's armed forces are ambiguous, as different state bodies publish conflicting figures. According to the Ministry of Defense's 2025 report, 12 suicides were recorded in the military, while the Military Police's data puts the number at 18, and statistics presented by healthcare organizations speak of 15 suicides.
These inconsistencies are causing serious concern among both experts and the public, as the lack of a clear picture complicates assessing the true scale of the problem and effectively implementing preventive measures. Representatives of the Ministry of Defense explain that their data covers only cases confirmed by forensic examination, while the Military Police, for its part, notes that it also takes into account suspected cases under investigation.
The differences are also due to varying data collection methodologies and timeframes, which can result in completely different pictures for the same period. In this context, human rights defenders are calling for the creation of a unified registration system that would allow tracking each case from start to finish and eliminating statistical distortions.
The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that without accurate numbers, it is impossible to properly analyze the causes of suicides, among which service conditions, psychological stress, and lack of social support are often cited. Meanwhile, military experts assure that each case requires individual examination, and generalized statistics do not always reflect the real situation.
This discrepancy in official figures is not merely a technical issue but affects the effectiveness of the entire crisis response policy. Without a clear picture, we cannot properly direct resources or assess which prevention approaches are actually working.
It is noteworthy that similar statistical duality arises not only in Armenia but also in a number of post-Soviet countries, where data exchange between military and civilian structures remains hampered by bureaucratic obstacles. In the coming months, the National Assembly is expected to discuss an initiative to create a unified electronic register of deaths during military service, and it is in this context that it is important to monitor whether the obstacles preventing a full picture will finally be overcome.
