OSCE-supported study reveals need to expand vocational training opportunities for young offenders in Armenia

YEREVAN, 24 January 2012 – The results of a study on access to education and vocational training for juveniles in custody were presented today in Yerevan.

The research carried out by the Social Justice NGONGO
non-governmental organization with the support of the OSCE Office in Yerevan offers recommendations for ameliorating juvenile justice administration and improving education and vocational training for juveniles deprived of their liberty.

“Education is not just a basic human right, it is also one of the building blocks of juveniles’ rehabilitation and preparation for release activities. Comprehensive measures are needed, including the elaboration of vocational training opportunities on the basis of individual needs assessments,” said Vladimir Tchountoulov, the Human Rights Officer of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

“I hope that today’s discussion will provide another opportunity for sharing opinions and finding ways for improving vocational training opportunities for juveniles in custody.”

The research provides a comparative analysis of domestic legislation and practice with international standards and good practices of other OSCE participating States. It also examines the situation in the Abovyan penitentiary institution, the only detention facility for juveniles in Armenia.

Arshak Gasparyan, Project Director of the Social Justice NGO, said: “Our study revealed that Armenian legislation and regulations in this field are sufficient to provide consistent and comprehensive support. At the same time, there is still a lot to do to harmonize the education and vocational training received by juveniles in custody and outside penitentiary institutions. It is also necessary to expand the choice of vocational training offered to detained juveniles, to include computer skills, foreign languages, gardening and other skills.”

The study was implemented from April to July 2011. The recommendations are based on a series of interviews with representatives of state bodies, experts and convicted juveniles.

The electronic version of the report is available at: //www.osce.org/hy/yerevan/87149