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Strengthening criminal justice and inter-agency co-operation: study visit of the Armenian delegation to the Council of Europe

An Armenian delegation of representatives from the Penitentiary and Probation services of Ministry of Justice visited the Council of Europe in Strasbourg for an informative study visit on 13 and 14 November 2024.

The purpose of the visit was to increase awareness and understanding of the Council of Europe mission and values, learn about recent developments and standards in relation to human rights, prison management, probation services and rehabilitation, aiming to bring Armenia’s justice system closer to the European standards.

During the visit, Council of Europe representatives presented to the participants the Organisation’s work in the areas of penitentiary and probation systems, shared insights on a range of issues, including the ethical use of artificial intelligence in prison management, recommendations for improving detention conditions and protecting human dignity behind bars. These discussions highlighted the potential of technological advancements to improve operational efficiency while maintaining human rights and aligning more closely with international standards.

The programme of the visit offered a comprehensive overview of the work of the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture as well as of the Department for the Execution of Judgements of the European Court of Human Rights and the respective case law of the Court, including recent developments in relation to Armenia. Further discussions also touched upon addressing substance abuse and dependency among prisoners and those on probation, offering solutions for improving rehabilitation programmes and supporting detainees’ reintegration into society.

The visit has helped to enhance the collaboration with the different parts of the Council of Europe and opened the door for further support. Its outcomes are also expected to inform policy updates and drive meaningful reforms in Armenia focusing on improved detainee treatment, modernized rehabilitation programmes, and comprehensive strategies for reducing recidivism.

This event is part of the Council of Europe’s support within the framework of the Projects “Strengthening the protection of the rights of persons in detention” and “Strengthening the Probation service in Armenia”. The Projects are financed within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026 and implemented by the Council of Europe.

Strasbourg 13-14 November
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 Start date: 1 January 2023

 Duration: 24 months

 Funding: EUR 500,000, onors contributing to the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026 

 Leaflet of the project

Partners: Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia, Probation Service

Built upon the results achieved from the implementation of the Project “Support the scaling-up of the probation service in Armenia”, the Project “Strengthening the Probation Service in Armenia” financed by Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023 – 2026 assisted national authorities in facilitating the use of probation services in the country, thus enhancing community safety and the fair administration of justice.

It was implemented in close cooperation and partnership with the Ministry of Justice and State Probation Service, as well as other national stakeholders, including civil society organisations active in are of probation.

The Project accomplished the following outcomes:

  • The knowledge and skills of probation officers on probation methods, risks and needs assessment tool and rehabilitation programmes were enhanced thanks to effective and sustainable training centres and regular staff evaluation;
  • The co-operation among all actors of the criminal justice system on the basis of a shared understanding of new Probation service functions and respective roles and responsibilities was enhanced;
  • The accessibility by offenders to effective rehabilitation/resocialisation programmes was enhanced;
  • E-probation system was further updated and supported to become operational.

The key documents for this Project are Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)1 on the Council of Europe Probation Rules, Recommendation CM/Rec(2017)3 on the European Rules on community sanctions and measures, Recommendation CM/Rec(2014)4 on electronic monitoring, Rec. R (2003) 22 concerning conditional release, 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).

Reference documents