A number of regulations related to activities of Group of Monitors clarified and new solutions provided

The penitentiary institutions and bodies of the Ministry of Justice have established the new procedure for the formation and implementation of supervision of the Group of Monitors conducting public oversight. The activities of the Group play an important role in terms of having an objective picture of human rights protection at penitentiary institutions. Accordingly, creating preconditions that are necessary for ensuring effective operation of the Group of Monitors and, with this, guaranteeing transparency and accountability at penitentiary institutions form a part of the policy of the Ministry of Justice.

With regard to the procedure, the Group of Monitors had raised a number of concerns which, in the Group’s opinion, hindered effectiveness of the Group's activities.

The new procedure has clarified a number of regulations related to the activities of the Group of Monitors and has provided new solutions, inter alia:

The circle of persons with the pretension to become a member of the Group of Monitors has been expanded (any person who is fluent in Armenian, has attained the age of 23, holds citizenship of the Republic of Armenia or permanently resides in the Republic of Armenia, or is a representative of a non-governmental organisation can become a member of the Group. Preference is given to persons who have the profession of a lawyer, social worker, doctor, psychologist and have professional work experience),

The internship institution has been introduced. The intern is engaged for a period of six months to one year. This period will allow the Group of Monitors to assess the intern's abilities as a potential candidate for member of the Group of Monitors, providing him or her to become a member in the future, the circle of people likely to become members of the Group of Monitors has been expanded,

The time limits for comments provided by the Ministry of Justice in the case of reports submitted by the Group have been reduced, and this will make sure the raised issues remain current and are resolved in the short run.