A significant milestone in Armenia’s prison reform efforts was celebrated on 18 December 2024 at a ceremony where social workers from 10 penitentiary institutions were awarded certificates following their successful completion of a comprehensive training programme. The ceremony, which brought together government officials, international partners, and social workers, underscored the importance of professional development in the field of social work in prison and marked one more step in enhancing the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates within the country’s penitentiary system.

Through close collaboration between the Council of Europe, the Penitentiary Service, and the National Institute of Labour and Social Research, social workers from all ten prisons received specialised training designed to enhance their ability to support the rehabilitation process. The programme equipped them with advanced knowledge and skills, crucial for addressing the complex needs of inmates.

In his opening remarks, Maxime Longangué, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Yerevan, highlighted the vital role that social workers play in penitentiaries, calling them the "primary agents of change" who provide essential psychological, social, and emotional support to inmates. This training initiative is part of a broader national effort to build a more humane and effective prison system in Armenia.

The three-month training programme, viewed as a cornerstone of the broader prison reform, is expected to have a lasting impact. The social workers, now better equipped with the necessary skills, are expected to foster environments where inmates can not only serve their sentence but also prepare for a successful reintegration into society. This progress is seen as a critical factor in reducing recidivism and building a safer, more inclusive Armenia. With continuous support of the Council of Europe, Armenia can make a significant progress in creating a fairer, more inclusive society where the reform of the prison system translates into real opportunities for those behind bars.

The event is a 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.