OSCE experts train Armenian prison officials on security management

YEREVAN, 13 June 2003 - International experts from the OSCE have recently completed a training course in Armenia on prison security and operational management.

"Competent and professionally qualified prison staff to work in line with international standards and principles is the first and key step in the long-term reform process of penitentiary institutions", said Nikolay Aroustamyan, Head of Department of Legal and Judicial Reforms at the Armenian Ministry of Justice.

The new project launched by the OSCE Office in Yerevan and ODIHR in co-operation with the Armenian Ministry of Justice, Penal Reform International (PRI) and Open Society Institute (OSI) aims at contributing to a comprehensive penitentiary reform. The project follows the training programme for all levels of Armenian prison staff implemented jointly by OSI and OSCE throughout 2002.

In 2001, Armenian penitentiary facilities were transferred from the Ministry of Interior to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice. This was one of the commitments for accession into the Council of Europe. The OSCE Office in Yerevan, in co-operation with the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), is assisting the Armenian Government in implementing these reforms.

Within the framework of the new project, two three-day workshops on international standards and best practices on security and operational management of penitentiary institutions were scheduled for May and July this year. At the first workshop, the participants were introduced to all aspects of prison management, including conflict prevention, risk assessment, staff management, relationship with the outside world and co-operation with other agencies.

In addition, the trainees practiced the application of their acquired knowledge through group work, game exercises and interactive discussions on specific case studies. Twenty-six staff members participated in the training, including heads of security divisions at prisons, law institute trainers and officials from the Criminal Executive Department.

As a result of the project, officials participating in the workshop are expected to conduct follow-up on-site training sessions in penitentiary facilities in the country as well as for the Law Institute of the Ministry of Justice.

The project receives financial support by the European Commission, the United Kingdom Government, the South Caucasus Project of PRI, OSI Armenian Foundation, and the Justice Initiative.