Representatives of the Ministry of Justice, Penitentiary Service, Ombudsperson, and civil society gathered in Yerevan on the 5 December 2023, for a round-table discussion on resocialisation needs of persons deprived of liberty. The event aimed to address the crucial issue of helping offenders to reintegrate into society through comprehensive resocialisation and rehabilitation programmes.

Participants engaged in an in-depth dialogue around the resocialisation needs of persons deprived of liberty, exploring the underlying causes of criminal behaviour and emphasizing the importance of addressing these root issues.

The highlights of the event were the discussions about resocialisation means implemented by the Penitentiary Service and the “Centre for Legal Education and Rehabilitation programmes” State Non-Commercial Organisation, international standards and good practices as well as the needs and capacities of prisons in Armenia to implement resocialisation programmes. A proposed pilot programme was presented that aims to serve as a model for effective rehabilitation tailored to specific needs of the inmates. The discussion delved into the practical aspects of implementing this programme and challenges that can arise, considering the national context. Representatives from the Ministry of Justice and civil society expressed their support for the programme and pledged to work together to ensure its success.

This event is part of the Council of Europe’s support within the framework of the Project “Strengthening the protection of the rights of persons in detention” that assists the national authorities to further enhance penitentiary reform, prison health care and the protection of human rights of persons deprived of liberty. The Project is financed within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026 and implemented by the Council of Europe.