Back Armenia advances execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights through legal reforms and capacity building

A workshop dedicated to the challenges that emerged in the judicial practice in the context of digital search
Armenia advances execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights through legal reforms and capacity building

In 2021 Armenia with the support of the Council of Europe took a significant step toward the strengthening the execution of judgments from the European Court of Human Rights with the adoption and implementation of the country’s new Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code. These reforms represent a landmark in aligning national legislation with European standards.

While the legislative reforms mark a key milestone, ongoing challenges primarily relate to law enforcement practices. As a result, continuous capacity building among judges, prosecutors and legal practitioners remains crucial to ensure a proper understanding and application of the innovative approaches embedded in the new Criminal Procedure Code – particularly its novel provision concerning digital search procedures. 

The workshop organised on 26 and 27 May brought together legal professionals from Armenia, representatives of the European Court of Human Rights, and lawyers from the Council of Europe’s Department for the Execution of Judgments. The event provided a platform to discuss critical issues, including the interference with electronic devices in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, and the practical implementation of compensation mechanisms. This joint effort underscores Armenia’s growing commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights and ensuring effective remedies at the national level.

Clare Ovey, Director of Human Rights Directorate of the Council of Europe, praised the cooperation with the Court of Cassation of Armenia and the Office of the Representative of Armenia on International Legal Matters. “The progress achieved would not have been possible without your active involvement and dedication,” Ms Ovey stated.

Lilit Tadevosyan, President of the Court of Cassation of Armenia emphasised that the event is important both for strengthening cooperation with the Council of Europe and for ensuring the effective protection of rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights. Ms Tadevosyan also underlined the important role of the Court of Cassation in preventing violations of the rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights.

Liparit Drmeyan, acting Representative of Armenia on International Legal Matters highlighted the particular significance of the subject matter not only from the standpoint of human rights but also in the context of the new Criminal Procedure Code and emphasised the importance of addressing practical difficulties, and ultimately strengthening collective capacity to protect human rights through effective execution of European Court judgments.

The workshop was organised by the Council of Europe as part of its project “Further Support to the Implementation of the ECHR through effective execution of the European Court of Human Rights judgments in Armenia” implemented within the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026.

YEREVAN, ARMENIA 26-27 MAY 2025
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What is the goal and objective of the project?

The Project is a part of the continuous endeavor of the Council of Europe to support Armenia in the effective implementation of the European human rights standards with a specific focus on the problem of excessive length of proceedings, late or non-execution of national courts’ judgments, effective judicial control over the pre-trial stage of the proceedings, right to freedom assembly, and effective investigations into allegations of ill-treatment and deprivation of life. 

The Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia for 2023-2026 explicitly underlines the importance of the effective ECHR implementation as well as the need to enhancing the effectiveness of the ECHR system at national level. 

  Start date: January 2023

  Duration: 36 months

 Funding: EUR 800,000

Donor: Donors contributing to the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026 and Human Rights Trust Fund

Contact person: Ms Gayane Hovhannisyan, Senior Project Officer

Who benefits from the project?
  • Office of the Representative of Armenia on International Legal Matters
  • Ministry of Justice
  • Court of Cassation
  • Supreme Judicial Council
  • Prosecutor General’s Office
  • Ministry of Internal Affairs
  • general public
How does the project work?

Building on the constructive co-operation established with the national partners, the Council of Europe will continue strengthening their capacities through the legal expertise, workshops, seminars and training on leading case-law of the European Court of Human Rights, as well as relevant study visits so that the institutions are able to effectively play their role in the process of execution of European Court of Human Rights judgments by Armenia and that the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights is applied in a more harmonised way at national level.

What do we expect to achieve?
  • The national legislation and practice regarding the pre-trial detention, effective investigations of the alleged deprivation of life and ill-treatment, as well as freedom of assembly cases is further revised and aligned with the European standards.
  • The national legislation on the Compulsory Enforcement Service of the Ministry of Justice is improved to ensure proper regulatory framework and safeguards against late or non-execution of national courts’ judgments.
  • National authorities’ efforts on overseeing the execution of the ECtHR judgments are further enhanced and coordinated.
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