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 Rehabilitation over punishment: Armenia adopts risk and needs assessment tool for convicts

On 02 July 2024 a Risk and Needs Assessment (RNA) tool for convicts was adopted by decree of the Minister of Justice of Armenia, marking a paradigm shift in the approach to resocialisation of persons deprived of liberty. This tool must now be applied across all penitentiary institutions to assess the resocialisation needs of individuals, aiming to facilitate their successful reintegration into society.

The RNA tool represents a progressive instrument as it allows for a systematic detailed evaluation of each inmate’s specific needs and risks, enabling tailored rehabilitation plans. This method moves away from a one-size-fits-all model, acknowledging that every person has unique circumstances that require personalised interventions. The adoption of the RNA tool underscores Armenia’s commitment to modernise its penitentiary system, supporting the overall well-being of individuals deprived of liberty and preparing them for a life after release.

The Council of Europe supported Armenian national authorities in developing the RNA tool, starting with its drafting and pilot phase in four penitentiary institutions, gathering valuable insights for refining it and paving the way for nationwide adoption. In addition, the Council of Europe facilitated the introduction of comprehensive training programmes for penitentiary staff, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to use the RNA tool effectively. Furthermore, a detailed guide was developed with step-by-step instructions and best practices, ensuring consistent application across all institutions. With this comprehensive support, Armenia is well-positioned to create a more human-centred and effective penitentiary system, ultimately benefiting its society as a whole.

Therse activities are 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 2 July 2024