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Advancing Armenia’s probation services: building a foundation for effective alternative sanctions

In a significant step forward for the criminal justice reform of Armenia, the Council of Europe has achieved remarkable milestones in reinforcing Armenia's probation services over 2023-2024. This among others included the support in the process of putting in place newly introduced alternative measures to detention.

Through this initiative, the criminal justice system of Armenia has been progressively enhanced, with a focus on modernising the probation services, fostering inter-agency collaboration, and advancing the use of alternative restraint measures and sanctions. These achievements form a solid foundation for sustainable rehabilitation practices and enhancing public safety in Armenia.

Among the key accomplishments of the project “Strengthening the Probation Service in Armenia” is the introduction of comprehensive guidelines for the use of alternative restraint measures, such as house arrest and administrative supervision, as well as sanctions like the restriction of liberty. These guidelines, carefully developed to align with national legislation, provide clear, practical instructions to probation officers as they manage new competencies of the Probation Service of Armenia.

In addition to the guidelines, the project designed a specialised training module for multidisciplinary groups to equip them with the skills needed to apply alternative measures effectively, promoting a uniform understanding of the roles among the justice system stakeholders.

Apart from this, 16 probation staff members were trained as trainers. These trainers, armed with new knowledge and skills, took the lead in conducting two training seminars in collaboration with a Council of Europe national consultant. These seminars reached 40 staff members of the Probation Service, enhancing their practical knowledge of alternative measures, and fostering collaborative problem-solving using real-world cases. A post-training evaluation revealed a substantial improvement in the participants’ understanding of alternative sanctions, underscoring the positive impact of these trainings on probation practices.

These initiatives, funded under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026, underscore the Council’s commitment to build a robust, cooperative framework within the criminal justice system of Armenia. By fostering dialogue, developing tools for practical application, and bolstering institutional capabilities, this project paves the way for a more effective and humane approach to justice in Armenia, one that prioritizes both community safety and the rehabilitation of probationers.

YEREVAN, ARMENIA 27 NOVEMBER 2024
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The Council of Europe is the continent’s leading human rights organisation, with 46 member states, including Armenia. All our member states are party to the European Convention on Human Rights, which is the cornerstone of human rights protection in Europe.

The Council of Europe Office in Yerevan, represents the Secretary General in Armenia. It closely co-operates with national authorities supporting the implementation of statutory obligations to the Council of Europe by Armenia through co-operation projects.


 

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