Strengthening the Protection of the Rights of Persons in Detention in Armenia

Building upon the results achieved from the implementation of the Project “Enhancing healthcare and human rights protection in prisons in Armenia”, the Project “Strengthening the Protection of the Rights of Persons in Detention” financed by Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023 – 2026 assists the Armenian authorities to further enhance penitentiary reform and prison health care, and the protection of the human rights of persons deprived of liberty. The Council of Europe is providing support at policy and operational levels assisting authorities to accomplish penitentiary reform goals and trigger changes in practices throughout the prison system especially after the adoption of the Criminal Code, Criminal Procedural Code as well as Penitentiary Code in June 2022.
The Project is implemented in close cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, Prison Medicine Centre, as well as other stakeholders including the civil society organisations.
The Project focuses on following priority areas:

Further enhancing the institutional capacity of the Prison Medicine Centre in order to provide quality health care in the penitentiary system;
Further consolidating the knowledge and skills of medical and non-medical staff on different topics on provision of health care;
Strengthening the capacities of prison staff to apply tools and rehabilitation programmes for persons deprived of liberty;
Harmonizing the regulatory framework on human rights with the new Penitentiary Code.

The key Conventions for this Project are the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), as well as the findings and the recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) and the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
The duration of the Project was set at 24 months, and it was completed on 31 December 2024, with an overall budget of 550 000 Euros.

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Back Armenian penitentiary system advances resocialisation efforts with risk and needs assessment tool

On 4 April 2024, the Council of Europe organised a workshop aimed at discussing the results of piloting the risk and needs assessment (RNA) tool designed to enhance the resocialisation of convicts. Attended by key figures including the Deputy Minister of Justice, Head and Deputy Head of the Penitentiary Service, and officials from the four pilot prisons, the meeting focused on evaluating the progress, challenges, and potential improvements of the RNA tool.

Expressing his gratitude, Deputy Minister Mr. Balyan thanked the Council of Europe for its consistent support in Armenia's penitentiary reforms. He emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing the current challenges and reaffirmed Armenia's commitment to fostering a positive change within its criminal justice system focusing on individualised approach to each offender.

During the workshop, the participants engaged in a thorough discussion regarding the process of piloting the RNA tool. From 1 December 2023 to 31 March 2024, the tool was tested in the Abovyan, Armavir, Sevan and Vardashen penitentiary institutions. The insights gained during this period shed light on both successes and obstacles encountered in the implementation process.

As a result of the workshop it was decided to formally adopt the RNA tool and make it mandatory for all prisons. By taking a personalised approach to sentence execution and promoting positive behaviour among inmates, Armenia aims to create an environment conducive to their reintegration into society. The shared commitment of the Council of Europe and Armenia to ongoing improvement reflects a desire to propel Armenia's penitentiary reforms forward, guided by the principles of fairness, accountability, and rehabilitation.

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.

Armenia 9 April 2024