OSCE Office helps Armenia fight corruption

YEREVAN, 23 April 2010 - An OSCE-supported project that aims to fight corruption related to traffic regulation by monitoring traffic registrations and drivers' license examinations concluded today with a presentation in Yerevan.

The project, implemented by non-governmental organization Achilles with support from the OSCE Office in Yerevan, included monitoring of the testing procedures for obtaining drivers licenses at the Police Registration and Examination Departments. It also included activities to inform drivers' about their rights through television and radio programmes and the distribution of information materials as well as legal consultations that promoted procedural and systemic traffic regulation reforms.

"Apart from our work with the Government in addressing corruption we attach great importance to supporting civil society in raising awareness about corruption and corruption risks,"said Carel Hofstra, Acting Head of the OSCE office in Yerevan. "The project results that we are discussing today are especially timely considering that improving the work of the traffic police is part of Armenia's anti-corruption strategy as well as the police reform programme, both recently adopted by the Government."

Edik Hovhannisyan, Head of the Achilles NGONGO
non-governmental organization, added:

"This project will result in recommendations for procedure changes and legislation amendments that will reduce the risk for corruption and improve the safety on Armenia's roads by ensuring that those who obtain drivers' licenses have sufficient driving skills."

The project, which lasted almost eight months, formed part of the OSCE Office's work to strengthen the effectiveness of Armenia's fight against corruption.