A meaningful step towards strengthening the rehabilitation of inmates was marked today with the opening of a door and window production workshop at the Artik Penitentiary Institution.

The opening event of this first workshop is a showcase of the Council of Europe’s continued support for Armenia’s transition towards a more rehabilitation-focused correctional approach. In his remarks,  Claus Neukirch, Director of Programme Co-ordination of the Council of Europe stressed that expanding vocational opportunities is essential for achieving tangible rehabilitation outcomes, including improved skills development, employability, and successful reintegration after release.

The workshop was established through a grant from the Council of Europe to the Legal Education and Rehabilitation Programmes Implementation Centre SNCO of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia. Designed to provide inmates with practical skills, this facility increases changes of inmates’ reintegration in the labour market and into society after release.

Besides Artik, specialised vocational workshops were renovated and equipped in Sevan, and Vanadzor - through comprehensive refurbishment. This included the installation of modern tools and machinery, as well as the provision of professional instructional materials.

A tailored training program was developed and implemented for inmates, offering practical skills training aimed at enhancing employability upon release. These structured daily activities will not only foster active engagement and personal growth but also contribute to inmates' rehabilitation by building confidence, supporting resocialisation, and significantly reducing reoffending risks. The program provided a clear pathway for reintegration into society with realistic prospects for future employment.

This activity is part of the Council of Europe project “Further Strengthening the Protection of the Rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty”, implemented under the Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026.