The Council of Europe, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and Penitentiary Service of Armenia, has introduced a new risk and needs assessment (RNA) tool for convicts during a working group meeting on 6 November 2023 in Yerevan. The RNA tool is designed to identify the unique challenges and circumstances faced by inmates, serving as a basis for designing and implementing resocialisation programmes tailored to their specific needs, thus contributing to achieving the overarching goal of building a fairer and more rehabilitative criminal justice system.

The working group meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the Penitentiary Service, and the heads of those four penitentiary institutions where this tool will be piloted. The stakeholders were introduced to the newly developed RNA tool and outlined the plan for its piloting phase, during which they will collect feedback on its effectiveness.

During the meeting, it was underlined that the RNA tool has the potential to improve the way convicts are assessed and rehabilitated. It is designed with a profound understanding of the diverse needs and backgrounds of individuals serving criminal sentences. This tool may enable more accurate risk assessments, leading to personalised rehabilitation programmes that increase the likelihood of successful reintegration into society and reduce reoffending rates. It offers a human-centred approach to criminal justice, addressing the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behaviour more effectively.

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.